El-Rufai and Atiku Allies Meet SDP Leadership Amidst 2027 Election Speculations
On Tuesday, key political figures, including former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai and allies of ex-Vice President Atiku Abubakar, held a private meeting with the leadership of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) in Abuja. The closed-door discussions, which took place at the SDP national secretariat, have sparked widespread speculation about potential political realignments as the 2027 general elections approach.
The meeting saw the participation of notable figures like Maj. Hamza Al-Mustapha, a former presidential candidate and ex-Chief Security Officer to the late Gen. Sani Abacha, and Otunba Segun Showunmi, Atiku’s former spokesman. Although the specific details of the discussions were not disclosed, the gathering is widely seen as part of a larger strategy among opposition figures to unite in a bid to challenge President Bola Tinubu’s administration in the upcoming election.
Showunmi confirmed the meeting via a Facebook post, describing it as a “strategic gathering” convened by SDP Chairman Shehu Gabam to assess the current state of opposition politics in Nigeria. He wrote, “A Strategic Meeting was called by HE Shehu Gabam, Chairman of SDP, with HE Nasir El-Rufai, Major Hamza Al-Mustapha, Otunba Segun Showunmi. The alternative to meet, greet, and review the state of opposition democratic engagement in Nigeria.”
Gabam also spoke to the media, confirming the meeting and noting that it was a session aimed at connecting like-minded individuals committed to Nigeria’s future. However, he clarified that no official decision had been made regarding El-Rufai or others joining the SDP. He emphasized that the focus of the meeting was on broad political collaboration for the country’s progress, rather than immediate party affiliation.
“There is no official statement from El-Rufai or any one of them about officially joining SDP. They are open to conversation and negotiations for a better Nigeria,” Gabam said. He further mentioned that numerous dignitaries from different political parties had visited his office to discuss solutions for national stability and progress, underlining that the meeting was part of ongoing efforts to build a productive dialogue for the nation’s future.
The SDP chairman highlighted that the party’s priority was to foster a peaceful, coordinated country with economic prosperity and political stability, especially for investors. He stressed that the SDP’s role as a responsible opposition party was to offer constructive criticism and guidance to the government, similar to the role the APC played in ousting the PDP.
The timing of the meeting is significant, coming just days after El-Rufai denied rumors of defecting from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). On his official social media account, El-Rufai dismissed such claims as “patent lies” and vowed to take legal action against those spreading the misinformation. His close associates also vehemently rejected the rumors, suggesting they were attempts to destabilize his political standing.
El-Rufai’s involvement in opposition-oriented meetings, despite his key role in the APC, has raised eyebrows and fueled speculation about potential fractures within the ruling party. His participation in discussions with SDP leaders suggests that prominent APC figures may be considering realigning ahead of the 2027 elections.
As the political landscape continues to evolve, this meeting signals growing efforts among opposition parties to strategize and consolidate their forces for a united challenge to the APC in the upcoming general elections.
