As Nigeria’s political realignment gathers pace ahead of the 2027 elections, the Social Democratic Party (SDP) is attracting a wave of high-profile politicians.
But while the defections signal renewed relevance for the party, SDP National Secretary Olu Agunloye remains firm—political ambition alone will not dictate the party’s future.
The defection of former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, to the SDP has sent ripples through the political landscape. However, Agunloye downplayed the fanfare surrounding the move, insisting that El-Rufai’s presence must be assessed beyond mere celebration.
“The key issue is not about how to welcome or celebrate him but what he is bringing and what his motives and programmes are,” Agunloye stated.
Beyond El-Rufai, rumors are swirling that former Vice President Atiku Abubakar may also be considering a switch to the SDP, fueling speculation that the party is becoming a refuge for presidential hopefuls.
Agunloye acknowledged the growing interest but made it clear that the party would not be hijacked by individual ambitions.
“The bigshots are coming, and more are preparing to come. If they mean well, if they are committed to tackling social insecurity, economic stability, and sustainable development, we will work together. But if their goal is simply to grab power or settle political scores, their mission will fail, and they could end up destabilizing the SDP,” he cautioned.
With the SDP’s rising profile, some observers wonder whether it will follow the APC’s 2015 trajectory by evolving into a mega-party through mergers and coalitions.
But Agunloye dismissed such comparisons, stressing that the SDP is focused on self-sustained growth.
“The evolution of APC is different. We have no interest in that system. However, an SDP that can manage itself well amidst an influx of high-profile politicians, with a clear focus on good governance, can win the 2027 elections at both federal and state levels.”
With seasoned politicians making their way to the SDP, the party faces a defining moment.
Will it emerge as a genuine alternative to the status quo, or will it become another platform for recycled political ambitions? The coming months will determine the answer.