2027: SDP dismisses rumoured alliance with Atiku, el-Rufai

• Tags former Kaduna gov as threat to ‘some persons’

The Social Democratic Party (SDP) has refuted reports of an alliance with former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and ex-governor of Kaduna State, Nasir el-Rufai.

Rumours of SDP’s alliance with the duo ahead of the 2027 elections had been gaining traction, with the party denying the possibility on TVC’s ‘Politics Today’.

The National Chairman, Shehu Musa Gabam, clarified that there was no discussion on alliances, as the party focuses on building a dynamic and inclusive platform.

Gabam stated, “There is no alliance with anyone. As chairman, I have not engaged in discussions about alliances. Our focus is on reviewing strategies from 2024 and building a dynamic, inclusive platform,”

Speaking further, Gabam decried the cost of living, lamenting Nigerians’ ordeal amid the economic crisis in the country.

“The cost of living is unbearable. Nigerians are paying more for electricity, food and transportation while being told the economy is improving. These contradictions are deeply concerning.

“Leaders must have their ears to the ground. Waiting for filtered reports risks ignoring real issues on the streets,” he added.

Following the reactions that trailed el-Rufai’s visit to the National Secretariat of SDP, Gabam said “it has become clear that the Kaduna ex-governor is a threat” to some persons.

Some political analysts and politicians said the visit was not unconnected with the 2027 general election.

El-Rufai, a member of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and a supporter of President Bola Tinubu during the 2023 Presidential election, has since fallen out with the President. Some of his moves have been seen as efforts to unseat the President in 2027.

But Gabam noted that el-Rufai visited his office to discuss national issues, adding that with the interpretations given to the visit, his threat became clear.

He also explained that as the National Chairman of the party, he has a responsibility to re-strengthen the party, have some elected members at national and state assemblies, and win more seats.

“In a political environment, individuals are entitled to their interpretations. For me as the Chairman of the party, it is a visitation to me to discuss a lot of national issues, including reviewing 2024.

“Politically, the very day you win an election, you have to start planning for another election, and the very day you lose an election, you have to start planning to win the election you lost.

For us in the SDP, as a privileged opposition party, it is to win some seats at the National Assembly and the Houses of Assembly. We have to do everything humanly possible to re-strengthen our party, to ensure that the weaknesses exhibited in the APC and PDP do not exist in SDP. Our responsibility is to create a dynamic and friendly environment for everyone to come and aspire to whatever position they want,” the SDP boss stated.