Key political figures, including former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai and allies of ex-Vice President Atiku Abubakar, convened for a private meeting with the leadership of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) in Abuja on Tuesday.
Taking place behind closed doors at the SDP national secretariat, the meeting has ignited speculation regarding potential political realignments ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Notable attendees included Maj. Hamza Al-Mustapha, a former presidential candidate and ex-Chief Security Officer to the late Gen Sani Abacha, alongside Atiku’s former spokesman, Otunba Segun Showunmi.
While the specific agenda of the meeting was not disclosed, it has been characterised as part of a broader strategy to foster alliances among opposition figures with the goal of mounting a formidable challenge to President Bola Tinubu in the upcoming election cycle.
Showunmi confirmed the meeting in a Facebook post, describing it as a “strategic gathering” initiated by SDP Chairman Shehu Gabam to assess the current state of opposition politics in Nigeria.
“You must set forth at dawn! A Strategic Meeting was called by HE Shehu Gabam, Chairman of SDP, with HE Nasir El-Rufai, Major Hamza Al-Mustapha, and Otunba Segun Showunmi. This is an opportunity to connect, engage, and review the landscape of democratic opposition in Nigeria,” Showunmi wrote.
SDP Chairman Gabam also corroborated the meeting in an interview with The PUNCH, stating it was a gathering of like-minded individuals seeking to align with others who share their vision for Nigeria’s advancement.
Gabam stated, “There is no official statement from El-Rufai or any of them regarding an official joining of the SDP. They are open to discussions and negotiations aimed at a better Nigeria. It’s not solely about a political party; it’s about the future of Nigeria.
“We are looking for like-minded individuals who believe in the country’s future so that we can collaborate to elevate Nigeria’s standards.
“It’s not just them. The media’s focus has been limited to these individuals. I have welcomed numerous dignitaries from various political parties in my office, discussing pathways to stabilise the country and provide constructive, progressive advice to this government to prevent crises.
“A crisis within the government has ramifications for every Nigerian. Therefore, part of our responsibility is to ensure we avert such crises. In due course, we will determine our approach regarding further matters.
“Conversations are ongoing. When the time is right, we will reach a conclusion and hold an official press conference. Once we agree on our collaborative efforts, we will unveil it to all Nigerians. For now, we are engaged in social gatherings and discussions about national issues.”
Gabam described the SDP as a principled and respected party that engages in constructive opposition without provocation.
“That encapsulates our current activities. More like-minded individuals are already on board. Today, we had discussions with other significant political figures. This is a standard routine for me in the office.
“This development is encouraging, not just for those of us who attended but for all who are willing to join us. The SDP has a historical reputation for responsibility and will continue to provide decent leadership for Nigeria.
“Our priority is the well-being of our country, above all other considerations. We strive for a peaceful, well-coordinated environment conducive to economic prosperity and political stability for investors, among others.
“Our sole objective is this. We are fulfilling our role as an opposition party, just as the APC did when it ousted the PDP from power,” he added.
The meeting comes just two days after El-Rufai dismissed speculation about a defection from the All Progressives Congress (APC) to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
On his verified X (formerly Twitter) account, the former governor labelled the reports as “patent lies” and revealed he had instructed his lawyers to take legal action against those disseminating the misinformation.
“Please disregard the patent lies and rumours regarding my political affiliation. I have referred the primary peddlers of this fake news to my lawyers for further action,” El-Rufai posted.
A close associate of El-Rufai also rejected the claims, suggesting such allegations are the work of mischief-makers aiming to incite political uncertainty.
The involvement of prominent APC figures like El-Rufai in discussions with SDP leaders has heightened speculation about possible fractures within the ruling party.
While El-Rufai remains a key figure in the APC, his engagement in opposition activities is being scrutinised closely by political analysts.
As Nigeria approaches the 2027 elections, this meeting signals an intensifying political landscape.