Social Democratic Party (SDP) leaders have declared they won’t allow former Kaduna governor Nasir El-Rufai or other opposition figures to use the party as a weapon against President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 elections.
SDP’s 2023 presidential candidate Prince Adewole Adebayo made the declaration during his wife’s 50th birthday celebration in Abuja, describing the party as “not a getaway car for conspiracy.” His comments follow El-Rufai’s recent exit from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
“We’re available for coalitions serving Nigerians, not as a battleground for Tinubu’s aggrieved associates,” Adebayo stated, confirming his 2027 presidential ambition. He urged Tinubu to overhaul security strategies amid escalating violence in Benue and Plateau states.
African Action Congress (AAC) leader Omoyele Sowore criticized the opposition coalition efforts, calling El-Rufai and allies “potential returnees to APC” who lack credibility for genuine change.
SDP Lagos chairman Femi Olaniyi Ferrari positioned the party as Nigeria’s solution platform, lamenting that the “change Nigerians requested has shortchanged them.” The statements highlight growing political realignments ahead of the next general elections.
