El-Rufai’s SDP Entry Sparks Internal Turmoil
Loyalists Demand Leadership Reshuffle Amidst Political Tensions
Barely 48 hours after former Kaduna State Governor Nasir el-Rufai joined the Social Democratic Party (SDP), his supporters are already calling for a shake-up in the party’s National Working Committee (NWC).
Specifically, they are demanding the removal of Olu Agunloye, the party’s national secretary, citing his ongoing trial by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) as a potential risk that could expose the party to federal government interference.
Meanwhile, SDP National Legal Adviser, Aderemi Abimbola, dismissed speculations that disgruntled members of APC and PDP were defecting en masse, stating that el-Rufai remains the only confirmed new member so far. However, he acknowledged that SDP has been receiving defectors, particularly from northern states, and discussions are ongoing with more potential joiners.
Abimbola emphasized that el-Rufai’s membership is a strategic boost to SDP, as the former governor commands a strong political base in Kaduna and across northern Nigeria. He clarified that no automatic tickets would be granted to defectors, stating,
“There is no vacancy in our NWC, and every candidate must contest in the primaries.”
Amid growing tensions, pro-el-Rufai protesters stormed the SDP headquarters, demanding Agunloye’s removal over allegations of mismanagement and corruption. Meanwhile, concerns linger over reports that former Sokoto State Governor Attahiru Bafarawa may also be considering a switch to SDP, though no official declaration has been made.
Despite these internal struggles, Abimbola remains optimistic that SDP can reclaim its political relevance, referencing the party’s historic 1993 success. However, he criticized flaws in Nigeria’s electoral system, particularly INEC’s dependence on the presidency, as a major hindrance to true democracy.
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