The former presidential candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Adewale Adebayo, has revealed that discussions are ongoing between former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Labour Party’s Peter Obi, and other key political figures about joining the SDP ahead of the 2027 general elections. Adebayo, who appeared on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics, expressed confidence that this potential alliance would provide a strong challenge to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and retire President Bola Tinubu.
Adebayo’s comments come as political parties and figures gear up for the 2027 presidential election, a time when Nigeria’s political landscape is expected to see significant shifts. While the APC currently holds power under President Bola Tinubu, Adebayo believes that a broad coalition formed within the SDP could present a formidable alternative.
According to Adebayo, representatives of Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi, who both ran for president in the 2023 elections, have been in active discussions with the SDP about defection. This potential realignment signals a new wave of political maneuvering, with high-profile politicians looking for a platform to challenge the ruling party.
Adebayo said, “People are joining my party, and we are welcoming them. You can see how active I am in welcoming them.” However, he acknowledged some challenges in integrating individuals from different political backgrounds into the party, especially when it comes to ensuring that new members align with the SDP’s culture and values.
Adebayo, in his remarks, emphasized the importance of maintaining the integrity and rules of the SDP as more prominent political figures seek to join the party. He admitted that integrating politicians from different parties with varying political cultures could be difficult, but stated that the SDP is prepared to manage this.
He noted, “The only little issue we have with some of them is changing the culture, especially if they have not been in an environment where rules are taken seriously. Some of them are involved in Boy Scout-like activities and black market operations, but we are dealing with that. However, we welcome them into the party.”
Adebayo’s focus on the party’s culture highlights the need for discipline and unity within the SDP, which has historically been one of the smaller political parties in Nigeria. As Adebayo navigates the integration of larger, more established political figures, the challenge will be ensuring that the SDP maintains its identity and values while also broadening its appeal to a larger voter base.
The involvement of Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi in these talks is significant. Atiku, the former Vice President and 2019 presidential candidate under the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), has been a key figure in Nigerian politics for decades. His potential move to the SDP would mark a dramatic shift in the political landscape, as he has long been associated with the PDP, one of Nigeria’s two dominant political parties.
Peter Obi, the Labour Party candidate in the 2023 presidential elections, is another political heavyweight whose influence cannot be understated. Obi’s strong performance in the 2023 election, particularly among Nigeria’s youth and urban populations, suggests that his joining the SDP could galvanize support and further challenge the APC’s dominance.
Adebayo acknowledged the possibility of both figures joining the party, stating, “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.”
However, Adebayo also stressed that despite discussions, no official defection has yet occurred. He stated that while people are talking about joining, the real confirmation would come only when the individuals officially join the party. This cautious approach indicates Adebayo’s awareness of the complexities involved in such high-profile defections.
Adebayo’s confidence about the SDP’s future prospects comes with a bold promise: if these political figures join the party and adhere to the party’s culture, the SDP will be in a position to challenge the APC and its leadership in the 2027 elections.
“If they can stick to our culture and follow the way we do things in the SDP, and produce a good alternative for Nigerians, we are going to manifestly defeat the APC and retire President Tinubu to Lagos or wherever he chooses in Nigeria,” Adebayo said.
This statement reveals Adebayo’s clear political ambitions, with the goal of presenting the SDP as a viable alternative to the APC. In Adebayo’s view, the current leadership under President Tinubu has failed to deliver on promises made during the 2023 elections, leaving a vacuum that the SDP is prepared to fill.
For Adebayo, this opportunity represents a chance to reshape Nigeria’s political landscape by offering a more transparent, responsible, and focused alternative to the ruling party. By welcoming figures like Atiku and Obi into the fold, he hopes to tap into their political clout and voter bases, uniting different factions of Nigeria’s opposition to present a united front in 2027.
The discussions between the SDP and prominent political figures such as Atiku and Obi are a significant development in the lead-up to the 2027 presidential election. While the outcome of these discussions remains uncertain, the potential defection of these high-profile politicians could have profound implications for Nigerian politics.
For one, it could mark the rise of the SDP as a major political force, breaking the dominance of the two largest parties, the APC and the PDP. This shift could create a more competitive electoral environment, forcing both the APC and PDP to reconsider their strategies and policies.
Moreover, the entry of political figures like Atiku and Obi into the SDP could attract a broader spectrum of voters, including those disillusioned with the APC’s leadership and seeking a new direction for the country. If successful, this coalition could create a strong alternative that might be able to rival the APC’s hold on power.
However, challenges remain. The integration of figures from various political backgrounds into the SDP, ensuring unity within the party, and addressing internal party discipline will be crucial in maintaining a cohesive political force. Additionally, winning over the electorate will require not only strong leadership but also clear policies and solutions to the pressing issues facing Nigeria, including security, the economy, and corruption.
As Nigeria prepares for the 2027 elections, the political landscape is evolving. Adebayo’s assertion that the SDP could potentially retire President Tinubu and offer a viable alternative to the APC will likely fuel further political discussions and speculation. Whether or not Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi join the SDP, the party’s efforts to position itself as a credible alternative in Nigerian politics will continue to shape the country’s political discourse leading up to the next general elections.
