Abuja, Nigeria – The Social Democratic Party (SDP) has distanced itself from claims that former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, is representing the party in ongoing discussions aimed at forming a broad opposition coalition ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 general elections. Adewole Adebayo, the SDP’s presidential candidate in the 2023 elections, explicitly refuted such assertions, clarifying the party’s stance in a recent interview.
Mr. El-Rufai, who reportedly joined the SDP in March after departing the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), has been actively championing the formation of a united opposition to challenge the incumbent APC government in 2027. His efforts have reportedly included outreach to various political figures and opposition leaders to forge an alliance.
However, Mr. Adebayo, speaking to Channels Television on Wednesday night, emphasised the independence of the SDP’s leadership and its decision-making processes. “The SDP is not involved in any coalition led by somebody else,” Adebayo stated. He further clarified, “The SDP is led by Shehu Gabam and Olu Agunloye. He has not given me an assignment to do coalition on his behalf.” Addressing Mr. El-Rufai’s involvement directly, he added, “He’s not given any assignment to my senior brother, El-Rufai. El-Rufai is not representing SDP in any coalition.”
When pressed on the possibility of the SDP eventually joining a coalition, Mr. Adebayo indicated that the party is exploring its options and planning strategically. “The SDP is waiting, is expressing its own understanding of how best it will come together and remove this person and cause the APC and non-performing president called Bola Tinubu,” he remarked. He concluded by noting the SDP’s internal strategies, stating, “The SDP has plans, and we are looking at various options. And we realise that at the end of the option, we will need a political party that is viable.”
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