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A former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, has formally joined the Social Democratic Party on Monday, PUNCH Online earlier reports.
This move, seen as a strategic realignment ahead of the 2027 elections, was warmly celebrated by Adewole Adebayo, the party’s 2023 presidential candidate, who described it as a moment of renewed hope for Nigeria.
Taking to X also on Monday, Adebayo penned a welcome message, declaring El-Rufai’s entry as a vital addition to the SDP’s mission to rescue Nigeria from years of poor governance and underdevelopment.
“On behalf of the teeming members of the @TheSDPNg and patriotic democrats who believe in Nigeria and her promise of inevitable greatness, I heartily welcome my dear brother @elrufai to our party.
“With the hardworking and sagacious Mallam joining our ranks, an avid worker for the people has been enlisted in our forces against poverty and insecurity,” Adebayo wrote.
The SDP flag bearer emphasised the urgent need to fulfill Chapter 2 of Nigeria’s Constitution, addressing fundamental human rights, social justice, and economic development.
He called on all genuine democrats and nationalists to join the party’s mission to restore hope, stating, “Good politics begets good governance. Let no one sit on the fence any further.
“There is no time to waste. Join us on the March Again! God bless Nigeria.”
El-Rufai brings a wealth of experience from his tenure as the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory and Governor of Kaduna State.
His defection, according to multiple reactions, from the ruling All Progressives Congress is seen as a critique of the party’s handling of national issues.
Political analysts are already speculating that El-Rufai’s move could ignite a wave of defections to the SDP as disillusionment grows with both the APC and the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).
The SDP, known for its progressive ideals and focus on ethical governance, now has a heavyweight in its arsenal to challenge the status quo in Nigeria’s political sphere.
Adebayo’s post also took a swipe at the ruling APC and its opposition counterpart, the PDP, labeling their years in governance as “the locust years.”
He reiterated the SDP’s commitment to clean and ethical politics as a foundation for national revival and African liberation.
With this strategic alignment, the Social Democratic Party is positioning itself as a viable alternative for Nigerians yearning for change.
As the countdown to 2027 begins, the SDP’s “Hope Again” campaign may well capture the imagination of a country seeking a fresh start.
PUNCH Online reports that an aggrieved El-Rufai had played down rumours earlier in the year about leaving the APC until today’s official announcement.
Meanwhile, he paid a visit to notable Nigerians on Sunday – the purpose of those meetings he had yet to make public before his defection today.
