Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and ex-presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, are reportedly in discussions to possibly join the Social Democratic Party (SDP), according to Adewole Adebayo, the SDP’s 2023 presidential candidate.
Speaking on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics, Adebayo revealed that close allies of both Atiku and Obi are engaging with the SDP regarding potential defections.
“You mentioned El-Rufai, Atiku Abubakar, and Peter Obi; many of them are in talks, and we are open to receiving them,” he said.
Adebayo also confirmed that the party recently welcomed a former Kaduna State governor and a senior member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), reflecting broader political shifts in the country.
“People are coming into the party, and we are open to them,” he noted. “However, the major challenge remains fostering a new political culture that respects party rules and processes.”
When asked directly about Obi’s possible defection, Adebayo said there has been no formal confirmation but acknowledged that party officials, including the Financial Secretary, had informed him that talks were in progress.
He stressed that the SDP would only admit individuals who align with the party’s core values and are committed to fair and transparent internal democracy.
“If they share our principles and are ready to join a credible democratic process like we had in 2022, then we can work together to provide Nigerians with a strong political alternative,” Adebayo stated.
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