The Social Democratic Party (SDP) has dissociated itself from former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, stating he is not representing the party in ongoing coalition talks ahead of the 2027 general elections.
El-Rufai, who left the All Progressives Congress (APC) in March following a fallout with the presidency, has been actively advocating for an opposition alliance to unseat President Bola Tinubu and the ruling party.
Reports suggest he has been reaching out to other opposition figures to build a unified front under the SDP banner. However, the party has made it clear that it is not part of any coalition being led by El-Rufai.
Speaking during an interview with Channels Television on Wednesday, the SDP’s 2023 presidential candidate, Prince Adewole Adebayo, clarified that the party has not mandated anyone, including El-Rufai, to speak or negotiate on its behalf.
“The SDP is not involved in any coalition led by somebody else,” Adebayo stated. “The party is led by Alhaji Shehu Gabam and Dr. Olu Agunloye, and neither of them has given me or my senior brother, El-Rufai, any mandate to engage in coalition talks. El-Rufai is not representing the SDP in any way.”
When asked if the SDP was considering forming a coalition, Adebayo said the party is still weighing its options.
“We are evaluating the best path forward to rescue the country from the APC and its underperforming leadership under Bola Tinubu. The SDP has a plan and is considering different strategies, but ultimately, we believe a viable political platform will be essential.”
Adebayo had previously warned in April that El-Rufai and others joining the SDP from other opposition parties would not be allowed to hijack the party for personal battles against the president.
