The opposition party reportedly agreed to use SDP for the 2027 coalition.
Nigeria News NalinIt has been reported that among the main opposition parties, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and the Labor Party (LP), struggling in internal conflicts, the Social Democratic Party (SDP) has become potential leaders of the highly anticipated coalition ahead of the 2027 election.
This development follows the recent Defection Former Kaduna Governor Nasir El-Rufaifrom all progress conferences (APCs) to SDP.
El-Rufai, one of the founding members of the APC, made a transformation shortly after a closed-door meeting with former Governor Osun and former Interior Minister. Rauf AregbesolaAnd the pastor Tunder Bakarehas previously served as presidential candidate with the former president Muhammad Buhari.
El-Rufai, who positioned himself as a central figure in the opposition coalition, also met Buhari last week in Kaduna, reportedly told him about his plan to defect.
Other notable figures mentioned in the discussions about the alliance include the former vice president Atiku Aboubacarformer Labour presidential candidate Peter Obiformer Minister of Transport Chibuike Amaechiformer Attorney General and Attorney General abubakar.
The main goal of the alliance is to prevent the president Tinubu Ball Receive a second term from the 2027 election.
Sources show that El-Rufai’s turn to SDP is a strategic step to measure the response of the ruling party, and other opposition parties are expected to follow suit.
A political insider who spoke anonymously told the leaders that in addition to the publicly well-known politicians, El-Rufai’s goal is to “attract members of CPC camps who have been eliminated in the APC.”
The Progressive Change Conference (CPC) was originally formed by Buhari, preparing for his defeat in the 2011 presidential election and then merged with Bola Tinubu’s Operations Conference on Nigeria (ACN), which eventually led to Buhari’s victory.
Despite the coalition discussions, Atiku Abubakar remained hesitant, running for president in 2019 and 2023. Although he has been proclaiming the establishment of an opposition coalition to challenge the APC, he recently denied that he had left the PDP, reaffirming his commitment.
Similarly, former Ekiti Governor Kayode Fayemi refuted his report of leaving the APC and said in a brief statement that he remains a dedicated founding member of the party.
El-Rufai, who has a tense relationship with his successor, Uba Sani, has previously suggested leaving APC in an interview on Arise TV, suggesting that the party has left him.
His ongoing interactions with SDP leaders since 2023 have sparked speculation about his possible defection, especially after President Tinob’s ministerial nomination was rejected by the Senate, El-Rufai’s decision was attributed to Tinubu.
A growing opposition coalition has led to speculation about a possible joint presidential vote for El-Rufai and Peter Obi in 2027, with some PDP governors reportedly supporting it. However, the PDP Governors Forum recently dismissed such claims.
It is also reported that SDP was chosen because of its relative stability, making it a viable alternative to the opposition. Some party leaders have considered moving to the SDP if the faction led by Senator Ali Modu Sheriff wins the panel of Senator Ahmed Makarfi. Similarly, during the APC primary of the 2023 election, some of Tinubu’s allies regard SDP as a fallback option if some of Tinubu’s allies are rejected by APC votes.
PDP and LP fight internal turmoil
As the 2027 election approaches, both the PDP and the Labour Party are still working to create internal conflicts of major defections.
The internal crisis of PDP predates the 2023 election, and the ongoing power struggle between the G-5 PDP factions deepens. New Vickand a professional use group.
The main disputes include calling on the resignation of PDP acting President Amb. Illiya Damagumand the competition between Vick and his successor, the governor Sim Fubaraexcessive control of the party.
Separate battle between the PDP’s state secretary post Respect and honor. Sunday Ude-Okoye There are further complex issues. Despite the recognition of the party’s governor, board of directors (BOT) and the National Working Committee (NWC), Anyanwu is determined to retain the position and awaits the Supreme Court’s ruling on the matter.
Furthermore, a new crisis over the leadership of PDP in the South-South region has emerged, leading to further disagreements within the party and uncertainty among aspiring people ahead of the Anambra governor’s election.
Some PDP leaders accuse the APC of exacerbating these internal disputes to weaken the opposition and push Nigeria to one side.
Labor is facing similar unrest and a persistent leadership crisis has occurred. A guardian committee was formed by party leaders faction led by former minister Senator Nenadi Usman Return in 2024 Challenge Julius Abure As the President of the LP.
Although Abure has legally challenged the move and won in court, the party still broke down.
Meanwhile, the New Nigerian People’s Party (NNPP), ranked fourth in the last presidential election, is also fighting internal departments. The founder of the Party Boniface Aniebonam Power struggle with 2023 presidential candidate senator Rabiuan Musa KwankwasoHe accused the party of hijacking.
The crisis led to three factions within the NNPP – one loyal to Kwankwaso, the other was Aniebonam and one third was Governor Kano Abba Yousuf.
Amid these turmoil, SDP stands out and is currently the only major national party without infighting and major defections.
LP is unwavering in political transformation
Despite the ongoing political adjustments, the record company’s national propaganda secretary Obiorah ifohthe focus on the party’s state has faded, asserting that it is still strong and even attracts new members.
“I can tell you that the political movement is based on interests. A member of the House moved from the PDP to Labor last week.
“We don’t care about the consistency at the moment. We only care about the people who hold political missions continuing to move from one place to another. In Labour, a lot of things happen and will still happen before 2027,” Obiola told the leader.
He also said the record is awaiting the Supreme Court ruling on defection before further announcements.
