A longlist of prominent Nigerian politicians, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and ex-presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) Peter Obi, are reportedly in discussions to join the Social Democratic Party (SDP), according to the party’s presidential candidate in the 2023 election, Adewole Adebayo.
In a televised interview on Sunday, Adebayo revealed that representatives of Atiku and Obi are currently engaged in talks to potentially bring their principals into the SDP fold. The SDP has recently made headlines by welcoming former Kaduna State governor and a high-ranking chieftain of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) into the party.
Adebayo emphasized that the party is open to welcoming new members, though he noted that there are some challenges in adapting certain individuals to the party’s established culture. He said, “People are joining my party, and we are welcoming them. You can see how active I am in welcoming them. 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.” Adebayo hinted at some internal challenges, mentioning that a few newcomers have been engaging in “Boy Scouts, black market operations,” but assured that the party is handling these issues and is open to new members.
When asked specifically about Peter Obi, the former governor of Anambra State, Adebayo responded, “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.” He made it clear that the SDP is willing to embrace all potential members, provided they adhere to the party’s values, which emphasize transparency, integrity, and following the rules.
Adebayo further stated that the SDP aims to provide a strong alternative to Nigeria’s current political leadership. He expressed confidence that if these new members adhere to the SDP’s culture, they would be in a position to defeat the ruling APC and retire President Bola Tinubu to his base in Lagos or elsewhere in the country.
Peter Obi, who enjoys a large following among Nigeria’s youth, secured third place in the 2023 presidential election with approximately six million votes. Atiku Abubakar, representing the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), finished in second place, behind Bola Tinubu, who won the presidency.
Despite speculation surrounding Obi’s political future, he has repeatedly stated that he remains committed to the Labour Party (LP), the party that powered his 2023 presidential bid. However, the ongoing discussions with the SDP suggest a potential shift in Nigeria’s political landscape, with the possibility of a significant realignment as the country heads toward future elections.
