The Forum of State Chairmen of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) issued a directive yesterday, advising Mallam Nasir El-Rufai and other opposition figures intending to join the party to follow the proper procedures.
The chairmen emphasized that new members can only be admitted through their respective wards. This statement came after the inaugural meeting of the 36 state chairmen and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Chairmen in Abuja. They made it clear that no special treatment or preferential treatment would be given to new joiners.
Last month, former Kaduna State Governor, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, announced via his X handle that he had joined the SDP. However, the party’s Kaduna State chapter swiftly disowned his membership, declaring that El-Rufai was not a recognized member.
During a press briefing, Assistant National Secretary (North West), Idris Inuwa, stated that El-Rufai’s supposed entry into the party was merely a rumor, as he had not yet adhered to the party’s prescribed membership process.
Following the meeting, the Chairman of the Forum and Lagos State SDP Chairman, Femi Olaniyi, emphasized the party’s openness to new members, including prominent politicians across the country, but under strict conditions. Olaniyi clarified that new members must go through the party’s internal structures, specifically under the guidance of the state chairmen. He stressed that new members could not self-register or admit themselves into the party.
Addressing the ongoing discussions regarding opposition leaders possibly joining the SDP ahead of the 2027 elections, the state chairmen cautioned that the party’s democratically elected structures at both state and national levels must not be disrupted or dissolved to accommodate new members or any individual interests. They emphasized that elected officials must be allowed to complete their terms.
The chairmen acknowledged that merging with other political forces might require some structural adjustments to accommodate new members. However, they cautioned against any significant changes to the party’s name, logo, insignia, slogan, or any major alterations to the party’s constitution or manifesto. They stressed that any such changes should undergo thorough discussion within the National Executive Committee (NEC) of the SDP before any decisions are made.
The state chairmen also reiterated the importance of maintaining the party’s consultative and democratic processes in all decision-making. They asserted that the SDP must remain open, fair, transparent, and equitable to all Nigerians, without allowing the party to be dominated by the ambitions of individuals or specific groups.
When asked about concerns regarding the potential hijacking of the party by opposition heavyweights, Olaniyi expressed confidence that such a scenario would not happen. He acknowledged the potential influence of new members but emphasized that the forum was focused on preventing manipulative actions, particularly from individuals associated with the APC, PDP, or Labour Party. Olaniyi stressed the importance of maintaining proper internal procedures for member registration.
“We are not afraid of anyone hijacking our party,” Olaniyi stated. “We welcome new members, but we want to ensure that there is no backdoor manipulation, especially from political parties like APC, PDP, or Labour Party. We are ready to harmonize our structures to accommodate new members, but it must be done properly.”
The forum concluded by passing a vote of confidence in the leadership of the Shehu Musa Gabam-led National Working Committee (NWC) and commended party members nationwide for their efforts in building and repositioning the SDP for the future.