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.

Obi Calls on President Tinubu to Use Local Healthcare Facilities and Experience Nigeria’s Infrastructure Firsthand

ABUJA — Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s presidential candidate in the 2023 general elections, has urged President Bola Tinubu to set an example by utilizing Nigeria’s healthcare facilities instead of seeking medical treatment abroad. Obi, a former governor of Anambra State, said this would not only encourage Nigerians to trust their local health institutions but also help address the country’s chronic issue of medical tourism.

Speaking at a press conference in Abuja on Thursday, Obi suggested that the President conduct his next medical examination at one of Nigeria’s national hospitals, such as the National Hospital in Abuja, or at one of the country’s regional Federal Medical Centres (FMCs) in cities like Sokoto, Birnin Kebbi, Calabar, Umuahia, or Akure.

“It is time for you to visit our national hospitals,” Obi said. “Consider conducting your next medical examination at one of these hospitals. This will allow you to assess the state of healthcare facilities available to Nigerians and help you understand their condition, enabling you to make informed decisions on how to improve and modernize them.”

In his first 18 months in office, President Tinubu, alongside Vice President Kashim Shettima, has embarked on 42 trips across 27 countries, spending more than 180 days abroad. Tinubu alone has made 29 trips to 16 countries, with a significant number of these trips, particularly to France, raising speculation about their possible medical purpose.

Obi emphasized that such international trips should be weighed against the importance of engaging directly with the country’s critical challenges. He also proposed that the President experience the state of Nigeria’s roads firsthand by taking short trips across the country. Obi suggested journeys such as the under-100-kilometer route between Calabar in Cross River State and Uyo in Akwa Ibom State, or from Benin in Edo State to Warri in Delta State.

Drawing from his tenure as governor, Obi recalled taking former President Olusegun Obasanjo on a road trip from Awka to Onitsha, which led to the federal government approving the reconstruction of roads in the region. He argued that such experiences could help President Tinubu identify key issues and take meaningful actions.

Obi also called for impromptu and planned visits to Nigeria’s tertiary institutions to ensure that the resources allocated to education are used effectively. These visits, he said, would provide critical insights into the state of Nigeria’s universities and the impact of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFUND).

On political matters, Obi dismissed rumors of a potential merger with the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) or the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP). He clarified that there was no formal agreement with any party but urged Nigerians to unite in 2027 to oust the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

In response, the APC, through its National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, accused Obi of hypocrisy, claiming that his New Year’s message was misleading and designed to score political points. Morka emphasized that the current administration under President Tinubu has made substantial progress in addressing Nigeria’s economic and security challenges.

“Eighteen months into President Tinubu’s administration, the economy has shown steady progress,” Morka said. “The administration is committed to ensuring that the ongoing reforms achieve their full potential and transform the country for the better.”

He further criticized Obi, pointing out that his tenure as governor of Anambra State had yielded little transformation or significant achievements. Morka argued that Obi’s constant pessimism is an attempt to undermine the current government, which he believes is steadily improving Nigeria’s fortunes.

“The vision and reforms under the Renewed Hope Agenda are already making a tangible impact,” Morka said. “We urge Nigerians to stay confident that better days are ahead.”