₦airaland Forum

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.

Bentacur007:
Yes
APC fans have been crying since yesterday

Great100000:
Source: https://punchng.com/now-is-time-for-good-politics-adebayo-welcomes-el-rufai-to-sdp/#google_vignette

Dididrumz:
There will most probably be a coalition between all these parties, PDP, SDP and LP.

SugarRay001:
the only sensible comment yet,,he is only going to a different party from LP and PDP so he can have a better stead as probably a major stakeholder from SDP when the coalition happens

hyfr:
Even if all the political parties coalize into one, are they the inec that will regulate and transmit results? Pls we are not 5 year olds again, make we dey try reason. What if the coalition is all in the plan to make the election look like a tough contest

Dididrumz:
There will most probably be a coalition between all these parties, PDP, SDP and LP.

ChicagoFires:
El Rufai SDP

Tinubu APC

2027 fast approaching

Likes for El Rufai. Shares for Tinubu

Bentacur007:
Yes
APC fans have been crying since yesterday

Bentacur007:
Yes
APC fans have been crying since yesterday

michroskrve:
Yeebos on the move and hallucinating again. They just follow crowd. The same Elrufai you called Terrorists

saintkel:
Anything outside d south.,..then Tinubu till 2040

ElevationD:
It does not matter bro. What matters is casting your vote and making it count. Do not forget that APC arose from the amalgamation of CPC, ACN, nPDP and other interested parties. Nigerians joined them and pushed PDP aside. I remember GEJ saying that he did not want bloodshed even when it was within homie power to change the results. The deed was done by Nigerians who were tired of PDP, just like citizens are tired of APC.

Great100000:
Source: https://punchng.com/now-is-time-for-good-politics-adebayo-welcomes-el-rufai-to-sdp/#google_vignette