Atiku, Obi, Others In Talks To Join SDP, Says Ex-Presidential Candidate

Atiku, Obi, Others In Talks To Join SDP, Says Ex-Presidential Candidate

A group of prominent politicians, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and former Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate Peter Obi, are reportedly in discussions to join the Social Democratic Party (SDP).

This revelation comes from Adewole Adebayo, the SDP’s presidential candidate in the 2023 election. Adebayo confirmed that representatives of Atiku and Obi are in talks regarding a potential alignment with the SDP, which has recently welcomed a former governor of Kaduna State, alongside a prominent member of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

“People are joining my party, and we are embracing them,” Adebayo said during an appearance on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics. “I am very active in this process. However, one small issue we face with some of the new members is adjusting to a culture where rules are respected.”

He explained further, saying that some new members have been involved in questionable activities, but the party is addressing those concerns. “We are welcoming them, but we need to ensure that they adapt to our culture. These individuals, including Atiku Abubakar, former Governor Peter Obi, and even El-Rufai, are all considering joining, and we are ready to accept them.”

When asked whether Obi, the former governor of Anambra State, was definitively joining the SDP, Adebayo replied, “It’s not official until they join, but I’ve been informed, and the SDP’s Financial Secretary has also mentioned it. Discussions are ongoing, and once they join, we will welcome them.”

Adebayo also emphasized that the SDP’s process is transparent and organized. “When we come together, we won’t become a ‘tower of Babel.’ Our process is clear and free from dishonesty and corruption, as evidenced by our 2022 convention, which was applauded for its transparency. We have no court cases, no crises, and no allegations.”

He added that if these new members could adapt to the SDP’s standards, the party would present a strong alternative to the current administration. “We aim to defeat the APC, and ultimately, retire President Tinubu to Lagos or wherever he chooses to go in Nigeria.”

Obi, who has significant support among Nigeria’s youth, came third in the 2023 presidential election, securing around six million votes. Atiku, on the other hand, finished second, with the election ultimately won by Bola Tinubu of the APC.

Despite ongoing speculation, Obi has consistently maintained that he remains with the LP, the party that powered his presidential campaign.