Major Opposition Figures Reportedly Considering New Political Alliance
In what could signal a significant realignment in Nigeria’s political landscape, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and Labour Party’s 2023 presidential flagbearer Peter Obi are reportedly in discussions to join the Social Democratic Party (SDP). These claims come directly from Adewole Adebayo, the SDP’s own presidential candidate in the last general election.
SDP Emerges as Potential Opposition Powerhouse
The Social Democratic Party appears to be positioning itself as a formidable alternative to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), having recently welcomed former Kaduna State Governor and APC chieftain Nasir El-Rufai into its ranks. Adebayo’s revelations on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics suggest that this could be just the beginning of a major political realignment.
“People are joining my party, and we are welcoming them. You can see how active I am in welcoming them,” Adebayo stated during the interview. “The only little issue we have with some of them is to change the culture where if you have not been in an environment where rules are taken seriously.”
Cultural Adjustments Required
Adebayo did not shy away from addressing potential challenges with new members, noting that some politicians are conducting what he described as “Boy Scouts, black market operations,” which the party is actively addressing. Despite these concerns, he maintained an open-door policy toward high-profile political figures.
“All these people you have mentioned—El-Rufai, Atiku Abubakar, and even former Governor Peter Obi—are coming. A lot of people are coming, and we will welcome them,” he affirmed.
Confirmation Status Remains Tentative
When pressed specifically about Peter Obi’s potential membership, Adebayo offered a measured response: “Supposedly, until somebody joins, we don’t know. But people have told me, and the Financial Secretary (SDP) has also informed me, that they are talking. So we will welcome everybody.”
The SDP chairman emphasized that newcomers would need to adapt to the party’s established protocols and transparency standards. He highlighted the party’s successful 2022 convention as a model of proper conduct, noting it was completed “transparently, no court case, no crisis, no allegations.”
Strategic Vision Against APC
Adebayo outlined a bold vision for the party’s future, suggesting that with proper adherence to SDP’s operational culture, they could present Nigerians with a viable alternative to the current administration.
“If they can stick to our culture and follow the way we do in the SDP and produce a good alternative to Nigerians, we are going to manifestly defeat the APC and retire President Tinubu to Lagos or wherever he chooses in Nigeria,” he declared confidently.
Electoral Context and Current Standings
This potential political shift comes against the backdrop of the 2023 presidential election results, where Obi secured approximately six million votes, placing third behind Atiku Abubakar and eventual winner Bola Tinubu of the APC.
It’s worth noting that despite these reports, Peter Obi has consistently maintained his commitment to the Labour Party, the platform that supported his presidential campaign. Neither Obi nor Atiku has publicly confirmed these discussions with the SDP.
Implications for Nigeria’s Political Future
If these high-profile politicians do unite under the SDP banner, it could fundamentally reshape opposition politics in Nigeria ahead of future electoral contests. The development represents a potential consolidation of opposition forces that previously competed against each other, possibly creating a more unified challenge to the ruling party.
As these discussions reportedly continue behind closed doors, political observers will be watching closely for any official announcements or denials from the key figures involved.
