- Speculations have it that figures like Yemi Osinbajo, Peter Obi may join the Social Democratic Party (SDP), following Nasir El-Rufai’s defection
- El-Rufai officially resigned from the All Progressives Congress (APC) citing a disconnect with the party’s current direction
- TheRadar compiled a list of key political figures reportedly touted to defect to the SDP to challenge APC in the upcoming 2027 elections
A number of prominent political figures are reportedly preparing to leave their current parties and join the Social Democratic Party (SDP), as part of a strategy to unite against the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the upcoming 2027 general elections following the defection of former governor of Kaduna State, Nasir El-Rufai.
A founding member of the APC, El-Rufai officially resigned from the APC on Monday, March 10, and announced his defection to the SDP. He cited a growing disconnect between his values and the current direction of the APC as his primary reason for leaving the party.
Despite his efforts to raise concerns privately and publicly, he stated that the party's leadership ignored his warnings. El-Rufai emphasised that he could no longer continue his political journey within the APC, which he believes no longer upholds its original ideals.
In response, Adewole Adebayo, the SDP’s 2023 presidential candidate, described El-Rufai as an asset, citing his strong public service record. However, Adebayo acknowledged that El-Rufai had weaknesses that needed to be addressed.
In his departure statement, the two-time governor called on his political allies and supporters to follow him to the SDP for a better Nigeria.
This move has raised speculation that other prominent political figures might also join the SDP to unite against the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2027 general elections.
TheRadar compiled key political figures being speculated to consider the move:
1. Yemi Osinbajo
While former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo has not officially confirmed his defection, he was reportedly considering joining the SDP. His move was seen as part of a broader shift by former Buhari administration officials who felt disconnected from the APC’s current leadership.
2. Peter Obi
El-Rufai’s son, Bashir, fuelled speculation that Peter Obi, the former presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) might also join the SDP, while responding to a post on X (formerly Twitter).
“Bro to bro, if Peter Obi is not in that party, they can’t win presidential. Apc will have it again!” Mrman stated.
Bashir simply replied, “He is coming,” prompting further speculation about potential political realignments.
3. Governor Kayode Fayemi
Rumours have also suggested that former Ekiti State Governor Kayode Fayemi may join the SDP. However, Fayemi has denied these reports, reaffirming his commitment to the APC.
“My attention has been drawn to a story circulating on several online platforms regarding my defection from the APC. As I have had cause to state in the past, I am a card-carrying foundation member of the APC, and this position has not changed,” Fayemi stated.
4. Abubakar Malami
Similar to Osinbajo, the former Attorney General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami's move to the SDP was speculated to be fueled by dissatisfaction with the APC. Reports suggested he was contemplating a switch, though no official announcement has been made.
5. Rauf Aregbesola
Like Fayemi, the former Governor of Osun State, Aregbesola has been mentioned in rumours about possible defections to the SDP. However, there has been no official statement confirming this, and his status remains speculative.
6. Atiku Abubakar
While there is no official confirmation, speculation suggests that Atiku, a major political figure from the opposition, the former presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) might join the SDP in a bid to unite forces against the ruling APC in the 2027 elections.
7. Tunde Bakare
Pastor Tunde Bakare, who contested and lost to President Bola Tinubu in the APC presidential primaries, was also reportedly planning to join the SDP.
2027: Can opposition alliance unseat President Tinubu?
Meanwhile, TheRadar earlier reported that opposition leaders Atiku, Obi, and El-Rufai were reportedly considering a coalition for the 2027 elections.
Subsequently, the All Progressives Congress (APC) dismissed the opposition alliance as an unlikely threat to Tinubu’s re-election.
TheRadar analysed the possibility of an opposition alliance successfully challenging the President’s re-election bid.