Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and former Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate Peter Obi are reportedly in negotiations to join the Social Democratic Party (SDP), according to Adewole Adebayo, SDP’s presidential candidate in the 2023 general election.
Adebayo shared this information during an interview on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics, where he revealed that associates of both Atiku and Obi are exploring the possibility of their leaders joining the SDP.
“You mentioned El-Rufai, Atiku Abubakar, and Peter Obi; many of them are in discussions, and we are open to welcoming them,” Adebayo stated.
He confirmed that the party had recently admitted a former governor of Kaduna State and a senior member of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), indicating a growing realignment within Nigeria’s political landscape.
“People are joining the party, and we are welcoming them,” he asserted. “The only challenge lies in the need for a shift in political culture, particularly regarding adherence to internal rules and procedures.”
When directly asked whether Obi was preparing to join the party, Adebayo replied, “Until someone officially joins, we can’t be certain. However, I’ve received information from party officials, including the Financial Secretary, that discussions are ongoing.”
He emphasised that the SDP would only accept politicians who share its values and uphold its internal democratic process.
“If they can align with our values and participate in a transparent and credible internal democratic process, as we did in 2022, then together we can provide Nigerians with a viable alternative,” he concluded.
