The Social Democratic Party (SDP) has expressed optimism and renewed confidence in its future prospects following revelations that key political figures, including former presidential contenders Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi, are currently in talks to join the party.
Speaking during an appearance on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics programme, prominent SDP leader and former presidential candidate, Prince Adewale Adebayo, confirmed that discussions are ongoing between the SDP and representatives of the two high-profile politicians. According to Adebayo, these talks signal a possible shift in Nigeria’s political landscape ahead of the next general elections.
“There are emissaries, representatives of the likes of Peter Obi, Atiku Abubakar, and many other political figures, who are speaking with the party,” Adebayo revealed. “They are discussing potential alignments, and the possibility of them joining the SDP.”
While the development has ignited excitement within the party ranks, Adebayo was quick to point out that integration into the SDP would require a significant adjustment for some of the prospective defectors, particularly in aligning with the party’s internal discipline and adherence to rules.
“Some of these politicians are coming from backgrounds where political parties are often treated as personal estates, where rules are flouted and accountability is minimal,” Adebayo noted. “The SDP is different. We run a structured, rules-based system, and new entrants must be ready to adapt to that.”
Nonetheless, the former presidential candidate extended an open hand to those seeking a genuine platform for reform and national progress, stating that the SDP remains a welcoming home for all Nigerians, regardless of their former affiliations — provided they are willing to respect the party’s values.
Adebayo further hinted that the arrival of such influential political figures could dramatically reshape the balance of power in the country. In a bold projection, he asserted that a united and reformed SDP — bolstered by committed new members — could dethrone the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and bring an end to the political dominance of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
“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.
The potential defection of Atiku Abubakar, a former vice president and long-time stalwart of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), alongside Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate and a rising force among Nigeria’s youth and middle class, would be a significant political realignment.
Though neither Atiku nor Obi has officially confirmed the talks, Adebayo’s comments have ignited fresh speculation about the viability of a “third force” coalition — a political alternative that could unite various opposition elements and challenge the current political establishment in the run-up to the next election cycle.
Political analysts suggest that such a development, if it materialises, could galvanise public interest and reshape voter expectations, especially among Nigerians yearning for change in governance style, transparency, and economic recovery.
The SDP, once the political home of late Chief MKO Abiola and a historically significant platform during Nigeria’s Third Republic, has been striving for national relevance in recent years. With mounting public dissatisfaction over insecurity, inflation, and governance, the party may now be poised for a political renaissance.
As talks progress behind the scenes, all eyes will be on the key players involved to see whether these tentative discussions will evolve into formal alliances — and whether the SDP can truly emerge as a formidable alternative on Nigeria’s political horizon.
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