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Key political figures, such as former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai and associates of ex-Vice President Atiku Abubakar, convened for a private meeting with the leadership of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) in Abuja on Tuesday.
This closed-door gathering, held at the SDP national secretariat, has sparked speculation regarding potential political realignments in anticipation of the 2027 general elections.
Among the notable participants were Maj. Hamza Al-Mustapha, a former presidential candidate and ex-Chief Security Officer to the late Gen. Sani Abacha, and Otunba Segun Showunmi, a past spokesperson for Atiku.
The SDP Chairman Shehu Gabam while commenting on the meeting, referred to it as “a gathering of like-minded individuals” dedicated to connecting with others who share a vision for Nigeria’s advancement.
Gabam remarked, “There has been no official announcement from El-Rufai or any of them about formally joining the SDP. As I mentioned, they are open to discussions and negotiations for a better Nigeria. It’s not merely about a political party; it’s about Nigeria’s future.
“We are seeking like-minded individuals who believe in the country’s future so that we can collaborate and enhance the individual standards in Nigeria. It’s not just them; the media’s focus has primarily been on them. I have welcomed numerous dignitaries from various political parties in my office to discuss the way forward, how to stabilize the country, and how to provide constructive, progressive advice to this government to prevent crises.
“Because when the government faces a crisis, it impacts every Nigerian. Therefore, part of our duty is to ensure we are not confronted with a crisis. When the time is right, we will determine our course of action regarding other matters.
“There are ongoing discussions. When the time is appropriate, we will reach a conclusion and hold an official press conference. Once we agree on our collaborative efforts, we will present it to all Nigerians. For now, we are engaged in social gatherings and deliberating on national issues.”
Gabam characterized the SDP as a responsible and respectable party that engages in constructive opposition without provocation.
He stated, “Essentially, that’s our focus. More like-minded individuals are already joining us. Today, there are other influential figures involved in our discussions. To me, this is a normal occurrence, a routine I regularly experience in the office.
“So, this is a positive development, not just for those of us who met, but for anyone willing to join us. The SDP has a history of being a responsible party, and we will continue to offer decent leadership for Nigeria.
“Our priority is our country above all else. We aspire for a peaceful, well-coordinated nation, economic prosperity, and political stability for investors, among other goals.
“We have no other objective than this. Thus, we are fulfilling our role as an opposition party, just as the APC did when it displaced the PDP from power.”
