El-Rufai, Atiku Allies, SDP Leaders Hold Strategic Meeting Ahead of 2027 Elections
Prominent political figures, including former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai and allies of ex-Vice President Atiku Abubakar, convened with the leadership of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) in Abuja on Tuesday, sparking speculation about potential realignments in Nigeria’s political landscape ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The closed-door meeting, held at the SDP national secretariat, included notable attendees such as Maj. Hamza Al-Mustapha, a former presidential candidate and Chief Security Officer to the late Gen. Sani Abacha, and Otunba Segun Showunmi, a former spokesman for Atiku.
While the agenda of the meeting was not publicly disclosed, it is seen as part of broader efforts by opposition figures to forge alliances and mount a formidable challenge to President Bola Tinubu and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the next election cycle.
Key Figures Comment on the Gathering
Otunba Segun Showunmi confirmed the meeting in a Facebook post, describing it as a “strategic gathering” aimed at evaluating the 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 myself. The alternative to meet, greet, and review the state of opposition democratic engagement in Nigeria,” Showunmi wrote.
SDP Chairman Shehu Gabam also confirmed the meeting, describing it as a gathering of “like-minded individuals” committed to Nigeria’s progress.
“There is no official statement from El-Rufai or anyone about officially joining the SDP. However, they are open to conversations and negotiations for a better Nigeria. It’s not about a political party; it’s about the future of Nigeria,” Gabam told The PUNCH.
Gabam emphasized that the SDP’s goal is to unite progressive thinkers across political lines to stabilize the country and provide constructive advice to the government.
“We are looking for like-minded people who believe in the future of the country so that we can work together to uplift Nigeria. More heavyweights are coming on board, and discussions are ongoing,” Gabam added.
El-Rufai Refutes Defection Claims
The meeting comes just two days after El-Rufai dismissed rumors of his defection from the APC to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). On his verified X (formerly Twitter) account, the former governor labeled the claims as “patent lies” and stated that his lawyers would take legal action against those spreading the misinformation.
“Please disregard the patent lies and rumors about my political affiliation. I have referred the lead peddlers of the fake news for further action by my lawyers,” El-Rufai tweeted.
A close associate of El-Rufai also dismissed the claims, attributing them to “mischief-makers” intent on creating political instability.
Implications for Nigeria’s Political Landscape
The involvement of key figures like El-Rufai in discussions with opposition leaders has fueled speculation about cracks within the ruling APC. Political analysts are closely monitoring whether these meetings signal a strategic shift or a broader attempt to consolidate opposition forces ahead of the 2027 elections.
As Nigeria inches closer to the next electoral cycle, the SDP appears poised to play a central role in opposition politics, with Gabam positioning the party as a constructive alternative focused on national stability, economic prosperity, and political progress.
Whether these discussions will materialize into a unified opposition front remains to be seen. However, the meeting underscores an intensifying effort among Nigeria’s political elite to reshape the country’s political dynamics.