The political scene within the Social Democratic Party (SDP) has become tense as the party’s National Secretary, Olu Agunloye, has officially petitioned the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, over an alleged plot to force him out of office. Agunloye’s petition comes amid growing internal pressure within the SDP, particularly from members loyal to Nasir el-Rufai, the former governor of Kaduna State who recently joined the party.
The unfolding situation has raised concerns about the future of leadership within the SDP, especially as the party seeks to strengthen its position ahead of the 2027 elections. Agunloye’s move to petition the police highlights the seriousness of the internal conflict that appears to be brewing within the party, which has recently gained attention due to el-Rufai’s high-profile defection.
Sources within the SDP have claimed that members aligned with el-Rufai are pushing for Agunloye to step down as the party’s national secretary. This has reportedly led to attempts to force his resignation, including the alleged forging of party letterhead paper. According to Agunloye, these actions are part of a larger scheme to intimidate him into relinquishing his position.
In a conversation with TheCable, Agunloye confirmed that he had filed a petition with the Inspector General of Police. He stated, “I petitioned the IG about a person who forged letterhead paper and is threatening me to resign.” The allegation of forgery is serious, as it implies that someone may be using official party materials in a fraudulent manner to further their cause, which could have legal consequences.
Agunloye’s decision to involve the police in this matter suggests that he is taking the issue seriously and is determined to protect his position and the integrity of the party. The petition has not only drawn attention to the internal power struggles within the SDP but also raised questions about the methods being used by certain factions within the party to exert control.
The turmoil within the SDP has been further exacerbated by the defection of Nasir el-Rufai, the former governor of Kaduna State. On Monday, el-Rufai made headlines by resigning from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and officially joining the SDP after months of strategic discussions with opposition party leaders. His defection is seen as a significant shift in Nigerian politics, as el-Rufai is a prominent political figure with considerable influence, especially in Northern Nigeria.
El-Rufai’s decision to leave the APC followed the Senate’s refusal to confirm him as a ministerial nominee. This rejection, which he publicly criticized, sparked tensions between him and President Bola Tinubu’s administration. El-Rufai himself has suggested that the refusal to appoint him was not merely a result of the Senate’s decision but stemmed from a deeper unwillingness on the part of President Tinubu to include him in the cabinet.
In a statement announcing his departure from the APC, el-Rufai expressed his intent to unite opposition leaders under a single platform to challenge the ruling APC in upcoming elections. He stated, “Without prejudice to this decision, as a member of the SDP, I will focus on engaging with and persuading other opposition leaders and parties to join us and congregate under a unified democratic platform to challenge the APC in all elections and bye-elections between now and 2027 by the Grace of God.”
This declaration makes it clear that el-Rufai intends to play a significant role in shaping Nigeria’s political future, particularly in the lead-up to the 2027 general elections. His influence within the SDP is expected to be substantial, and his defection has certainly given the party more visibility and credibility in the eyes of both supporters and political observers.
El-Rufai’s move to the SDP has been welcomed by many within the opposition, including Adewole Adebayo, the SDP’s presidential candidate in the 2023 elections. Adebayo described el-Rufai as an “asset with a verifiable and measurable track record of public performance.” He further added that the former governor’s leadership and experience would be invaluable as the SDP looks to position itself as a formidable alternative to the APC in future elections.
However, while el-Rufai’s defection may strengthen the SDP’s position, it has also caused tensions within the party. Agunloye’s petition to the police is a clear indication that not all members of the SDP are happy with el-Rufai’s arrival or the way in which the leadership is evolving. The clash of interests and ambitions between different factions within the party could complicate efforts to present a united front as they approach the 2027 elections.
The SDP, which once held significant influence in Nigeria’s political landscape, has struggled in recent years to regain its former glory. The party’s ability to challenge the dominance of the APC and other political parties will depend on its ability to manage internal conflicts and present a clear, unified message to the Nigerian electorate.
The current leadership crisis within the party is a significant obstacle, particularly as the party tries to position itself as a viable alternative to the ruling APC. The internal power struggles, symbolized by Agunloye’s petition and the disputes surrounding el-Rufai’s influence, could undermine the SDP’s credibility if not addressed effectively.
Moreover, el-Rufai’s entry into the SDP could bring both benefits and challenges. While his political experience and connections could help the party build a stronger presence, his controversial past and strong political opinions could alienate certain segments of the electorate. The SDP must carefully navigate these challenges as it seeks to build a broad-based coalition capable of winning votes across Nigeria’s diverse regions.
As Nigeria looks toward the 2027 elections, the role of opposition parties will become even more crucial. With the APC continuing to dominate Nigerian politics, the SDP is positioning itself as a key player in the opposition. However, the party’s ability to overcome its internal divisions and present a cohesive leadership will be critical to its success in the upcoming elections.
Agunloye’s petition to the police and the ongoing tension within the SDP highlight the challenges the party faces in the coming years. It remains to be seen how the party will handle the growing influence of figures like el-Rufai, as well as how it will resolve its internal conflicts. The outcome of these developments could determine whether the SDP can rise to the occasion and offer Nigerians a credible alternative to the APC.
