The Social Democratic Party has reaffirmed its dedication to unity and inclusivity as it welcomed several new members, including former governorship candidates from the People’s Redemption Party.
This development signals a growing momentum for coalition-building among opposition parties as Nigeria approaches the 2027 general elections.
Speaking at a press conference in Abuja on Wednesday, SDP National Chairman, Shehu Gabam, rejected claims of a “use and dump” culture within the party, assuring the new members that they would be treated equally. He emphasized that the SDP remains an independent, people-driven political force.
“If your interest is to build an institution, please join us as an individual. The moment you join the SDP, you have equal rights like all of us here,” Gabam said. “In SDP, we are united, we are one force, one family. This party has no godfather. We are not funded by anyone, and we follow due process to ensure a vibrant party structure.”
Among the new SDP members are former PRP governorship candidates from the 2023 elections, including Emiyare Etete (Rivers), Elder Chris Agu (Enugu), Anthony Umeh (Anambra), Abdulkareem Mustapha (Kwara), and Capt. Ahmed Kaugama (Jigawa). Adam Idris, the PRP’s candidate for the Kaduna North Federal Constituency, also joined the SDP.
This influx of new members follows the defection of former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) on March 10. The defectors cited the need to rescue Nigeria from poor governance as a primary reason for their political shift.
Makarfi Hayatuddeen, Chairman of the former PRP Gubernatorial Candidates Forum, framed the move as a strategic realignment rather than an act of frustration. “We believe that the SDP is the party that can lead Nigeria to the greatness we have always envisioned,” Hayatuddeen said. “This is not merely a defection; it is a realignment of progressive forces to rescue Nigeria from the grip of failed leadership.”
Hayatuddeen also urged Nigerian youth to become active participants in shaping the country’s future. “Do not sit idle while the struggle for the soul of our nation is being fought. Be part of history. Join the SDP and run for office,” he encouraged.
Gabam assured that the SDP National Working Committee remains open to genuine individuals seeking change, but stressed the need to remain vigilant against any forces seeking to destabilize the party. “We are not afraid of crises. We have dealt with challenges before, up to the Supreme Court, and we have a system to handle any agents of sabotage,” he stated.
