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Tag: SDP

  • Join our party from your wards- SDP chairmen to El-Rufai, others

    Join our party from your wards- SDP chairmen to El-Rufai, others

    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.

     

     

  • SDP condemns Kogi govt’s ban on rallies

    SDP condemns Kogi govt’s ban on rallies

    The Social Democratic Party (SDP) in Kogi has condemned the ban on political rallies and convoys imposed by the state government.

    State Chairman of SDP, Mr Ahmed Attah, issued the condemnation in a statement signed by the SDP Press Secretary, Isaiah Ijele, on Tuesday in Lokoja.

    The party described the ban as an attack on democratic principles and a blatant attempt to silence opposition voices.

    Attah urged Gov. Ahmed Ododo to learn from the past and avoid repeating old, harmful practices that have hindered the state’s progress.

    “The party views this action as an attempt to suppress the freedom of association and movement enshrined in the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” he said.

    Attah insisted that the state is not at war and urged the government to focus on development instead of engaging in political manoeuvres.

    He warned that Kogi must not return to the dark days of repression, particularly against the opposition.

  • Mass defection hits PRP, ex-gov candidates join SDP

    Mass defection hits PRP, ex-gov candidates join SDP

    Former governorship candidates of the People’s Redemption Party (PRP) in the 2023 general elections have announced their decision to defect to the Social Democratic Party (SDP) .

    Those who defected are  Emiyare Etete (Rivers), Elder Chris Agu (Enugu State), Anthony Umeh (Anambra), Abdulkareem Mustapha (Kwara), and Capt. Ahmed Kaugama (Jigawa).

    Others are retired Capt. Ahmed Kaugama- Jigawa, Adam Idris, PRP House of Representatives candidate for Kaduna North  Federal Constituency, Kaduna State.

    NAN reports that the defectors were received by SDP National Chairman, Alhaji Shehu Gabam at the party national secretariat in Abuja.

    Gabam, who welcomed the defectors, assured them of total acceptance by the party, saying SDP needs people of like minds to rescue the country.

    “Our party is open and willing to welcome everyone without  any precondition.

    “If your interest is to build an institution, please join us as. The moment you join the SDP, you have equal rights like all off us here.

    “You can vie for any position of your choice without restrictions ,’’ he said.

    Gabam described SDP as a party ready to take over in 2027.

    “In SDP we are united, we are one force and one family. In SDP, there is no use and dump.

    “We follow the process, where there is need to harmonise, we harmonise efficiently and effectively so that we have a vibrant party,’’ Gabam said.

    He said that while the party National Working Committee (NWC) was open to receive genuine  people, it also has the antidote to deal with any member who wants to distabilise the party.

    “We are not afraid of crisis, we have gone through it before up to Supreme Court. So, we  have a system of dealing with notorious elements and agents of sabotage,’’ he said.

    Earlier, the Chairman of the former PRP Gubernatorial Candidates Forum, Makarfi Hayatuddeen, said that they joined SDP in a move to rescue Nigerians.

    “We did not leave the PRP because we were hungry. We believe that the SDP is a party that will lead Nigeria to where we have always aspired to see her among the committee of nations that will be held in high esteem.

    “This is a strategic realignment of progressive forces. We come  as comrades-in-arms, united by the urgency to rebuild our nation,’’ Hayatuddeen said.

    He called on Nigerian youths and women to join forces with the SDP by registering with the party.

    Party leaders at the occasion include the SDP National Secretary, Olu Agunloye and other NWC members of the party (NWC).

  • Mass Exodus: SDP chieftains defect to APC

    Mass Exodus: SDP chieftains defect to APC

    The 2023 Vice Presidential candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Yusuf Buhari, and Kano State governorship candidate, Bala Gwagwarawa, have defected to the APC.

    Also defecting are the Kano State Working Committee, 38 local government chairmen and secretaries, 13 state assembly, and 6 House of Representatives candidates.

    The SDP chieftains’ defection was formalised at an event held in Abuja on Tuesday, marking a significant shift in the state’s political landscape.

    Addressing the defectors, Deputy Senate President, Jibrin Barau, said their move proves that plans to challenge the APC in 2027 via SDP are doomed.

    He noted this development as a blow to former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, who had recently joined the SDP ahead of the 2027 elections.

    Barau said: “Those traversing the nation, trying to build the SDP into a viable platform to rival the APC in 2027, have failed utterly.

    “That mission is dead on arrival. Nigerians have rejected it. Even prominent figures like Sule Lamido have distanced themselves from the party.

    “Today, the Vice Presidential candidate, Kano’s governorship flag-bearer, and other SDP stalwarts have joined the APC. More are expected to follow suit in coming days.

    “If we delayed this meeting till tomorrow, nearly all SDP candidates nationwide would have joined us. We shall receive them officially in due course,” Barau added.

    He assured the new members of equal treatment, stating no one would be considered inferior regardless of when they joined the APC.

    “Everyone is equal. Joining today or being a long-time member does not diminish your importance. You are all valued equally,” Barau declared.

    He praised the defectors for acknowledging the achievements recorded under President Bola Tinubu’s administration and aligning with APC’s vision.

    APC National Chairman, Dr Abdullahi Ganduje, warmly welcomed the new entrants, promising them full rights and privileges within the party.

    Represented by Deputy National Chairman (South), Chief Emma Eneukwu, Ganduje described the defection as a move “from darkness to light.”

    He lauded the APC’s role as a model of transformative leadership under President Tinubu, promising continued progress and national development.

    Former Kano Governor, Sen. Kabiru Gaya, noted that the SDP was already depleted by the time El-Rufai joined, rendering it ineffective.

    “The SDP is dead. Its Vice Presidential candidate is here, the Kano candidate is here, all key stakeholders are now with APC.

    “I commend the Deputy Senate President for securing these heavyweight politicians for our party. It’s a great victory for APC,” he said.

  • 2027 realignment: El-Rufai goes spiritual , says “I pray, Obi, Atiku, others join SDP”

    2027 realignment: El-Rufai goes spiritual , says “I pray, Obi, Atiku, others join SDP”

    Ex-Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, has gone spiritual as he prays that key opposition figures, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and ex-governors Peter Obi, Rotimi Amaechi, and Rauf Aregbesola, to join the Social Democratic Party (SDP).

    El-Rufai, who recently dumped the All Progressives Congress (APC) and joined the SDP, cited dissatisfaction with the ruling party’s leadership as his reason for defection. His move has sparked speculation about a potential opposition coalition ahead of the 2027 elections.

    In an interview with BBC Hausa, El-Rufai emphasised the need for opposition leaders to unite under one platform.

    What I want and pray for is for all opposition leaders—Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, Rotimi Amaechi, and Rauf Aregbesola—to join the SDP,” he said.

    He also expressed disappointment with the current administration, stating that his initial support for Bola Tinubu was based on the expectation that he would replicate his achievements in Lagos at the national level.

    El-Rufai stated, “What pains me is that the government we supported and had confidence in would do well, because we saw what Tinubu did in Lagos despite his challenges. We all know about his issues in Chicago, but we thought if he could replicate his work in Lagos for Nigeria, let’s support him. However, he failed.”

    Addressing claims that he had betrayed Atiku, El-Rufai clarified that their relationship was professional rather than political.

    “I never betrayed Atiku Abubakar because we didn’t meet in politics; we met at work. In work, if I see that he didn’t do well, whoever he is, I will tell him. I told Buhari, and I even took Buhari to court on the new naira issue. When Obasanjo and Atiku were having issues, those of us working with Obasanjo looked at the issues between them and said Obasanjo was more right. It was not about north and south; Obasanjo was right. Atiku and I are now together, and if I betrayed him, why are we together now?” he added.

  • Heavy ‘wahala’ hits SDP as chairman declares congress illegal

    Heavy ‘wahala’ hits SDP as chairman declares congress illegal

    The Chairman of the Social Democratic Party in Kogi State, Moses Oricha, has declared the party’s state congress, held on Wednesday by some aggrieved members, as criminal, illegal, null and void, and futile.

    Oricha discribed the organisers of the purported congress as “faceless.”

    Speaking with journalists in Lokoja on Wednesday night, he stated that proceeding with a phantom congress despite a pending case before a court of competent jurisdiction was a criminal violation of due process.

    According to him, our tenure will expire in April 2026, and we wonder why the rush to conduct an illegal congress.”

    He commended the Independent National Electoral Commission and security agencies for not attending the congress, which purportedly produced Ahmed Atta as Chairman and Abdulrahman Idris (Sofather) as Secretary, among other party executives.

    “We urge the general public, security agencies, and INEC to disregard this purported congress organised by some individuals masquerading as party members.”

    “It has just come to my notice that some ghost individuals, claiming to be members of the Social Democratic Party in Kogi State, organised a state congress today, Wednesday, February 12, 2025.

    “This is not only laughable but also criminal in a modern democratic setting. These individuals are not only faceless but are also being sponsored by their paymasters — not just for their selfish interests but also to cause chaos in our party, which we built from scratch.

    “The general public should not take these individuals seriously with their caricature of a state congress, which cannot stand the test of time because nobody knows them in SDP Kogi State.

    “I have written to the Independent National Electoral Commission and copied the Department of State Services and the Commissioner of Police, urging them to disregard this charade called a congress.

    “I am the authentic Chairman of SDP in Kogi State, and we will not allow intruders working hard to destroy our party, which we have built over the years. This congress, held today, Wednesday, is null and void and cannot stand.”

    Oricha recalled that the congress of the present executive, held on April 9, 2022, under his leadership, remains valid under the SDP constitution.

  • Pro-El-Rufai protesters invade SDP HQ demand removal of party’s National Scribe Agunloye over alleged scam

    Pro-El-Rufai protesters invade SDP HQ demand removal of party’s National Scribe Agunloye over alleged scam

    Pro-Nasir El-Rufai protesters invaded the national headquarters of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) in Abuja on Wednesday, demanding the removal of the party’s national scribe, Olu Agunloye.

    The protesters, holding placards, accused Agunloye of mismanaging the party and called on him to either clear his name regarding his fraud case with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) or step down.

    Agunloye, a former Minister of Power and Steel under ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo, is currently facing trial by the EFCC over allegations of fraudulent contract awards and official corruption.

    One of the charges filed by the EFCC accuses Agunloye and Leno Adesanya, who remains at large, of forging a document dated May 22, 2003.

    The document titled “Construction of 3,960MW Mambilla Hydroelectric Power Station on Build, Operate, Transfer Basis” allegedly caused the Federal Government of Nigeria to enter into a contract with Sunrise Power and Transmission Company Limited (SPTCL).

    The EFCC claims the forgery violates Sections 363 and 364 of the Penal Code and is punishable under the law.

    Some of the placards brandished by the protesters at the SDP headquarters on Wednesday read: ‘Clear your name or resign: Dr. Agunloye, face your EFCC cases and stop embarrassing SDP!’ ‘Don’t destroy SDP! Dr. Agunloye’s EFCC case is destroying SDP! Resign now and give us a chance,’ and ‘Save SDP’s legacy! Dr. Agunloye must resign immediately! We demand change for a better future!’

    Sources revealed that the protesters are supporters of Nasir El-Rufai, the former Kaduna State Governor who recently defected to the SDP from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

    El-Rufai officially resigned from the APC on Monday and announced his move to the SDP. He has also directed his political allies and supporters to join him in the new party.

    The former Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) cited a growing disconnect between his personal values and the APC’s current direction as the key reason for his defection.

    El-Rufai, a founding member of the APC, accused the party’s current leadership of abandoning the progressive ideals that guided its formation in 2013.

    He claimed that the party had been taken over by individuals who disregarded internal democracy and treated members with contempt.

    He added that despite repeatedly voicing his concerns about the party’s decline, both privately and publicly, his warnings were ignored.

    “On my part, I have raised concerns in private and, more recently, in public regarding the capricious trajectory of the party. Therefore, at this point in my political journey, I have come to the conclusion that I must seek another political platform for the pursuit of the progressive values I cherish,” he said.

    El-Rufai, who served as governor of Kaduna from 2015 to 2023, said he had hoped that the APC would remain committed to the principles of good governance, democracy, and development.

    However, he now believes the party has strayed and no longer represents the ideals of its founding fathers.

    The former minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) recalled how he played a key role in securing electoral victories for the APC in 2015, 2019, and 2023, but expressed disappointment at how the party has been run in recent years.

    “I, therefore, call on all our supporters and other persons concerned about our country’s future to join us in the SDP in the journey towards making Nigeria flourish as a beacon of pride for Africans and the Black Race,” he said.

    Meanwhile, TheCable reported on Tuesday that Agunloye had petitioned the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, over an alleged plot to pressure him into resigning.

    It was also disclosed that SDP members loyal to El-Rufai are actively pushing for Agunloye’s resignation.

    “I petitioned the IG about a person who forged letterhead paper and is threatening me to resign,” Agunloye confirmed the submission of the petition to TheCable.

    Meanwhile, Adewole Adebayo, the Social Democratic Party’s (SDP) presidential candidate in the 2023 elections, has described El-Rufai as an asset with a strong record of public service.

    Background Of Agunloye’s EFCC Case

    Meanwhile, Sunrise Power is seeking $2.3 billion in compensation from Nigeria through arbitration at the ICC International Court of Arbitration in Paris over the government’s failure to honor the contract.

    The contract was awarded by Agunloye while serving as a minister, just a day after the Federal Executive Council (FEC) had instructed him to withdraw the memo.

    On October 10, 2017, Sunrise initiated arbitration against Nigeria at the ICC International Court of Arbitration in Paris, seeking $2.354 billion in damages for “breach of contract” related to a 2003 agreement to construct the 3,050MW Mambilla power plant in Taraba State on a “build, operate, and transfer” basis, valued at $6 billion.

    In a second arbitration, the company is demanding $400 million as compensation for the Nigerian government’s failure to honor the terms of a 2020 settlement agreement intended to resolve the dispute.

  • ‘Wahala’ in SDP as El-Rufai’s loyalists plot to flush out national scribe

    ‘Wahala’ in SDP as El-Rufai’s loyalists plot to flush out national scribe

    The National Secretary of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Olu Agunloye, has petitioned Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun over an alleged plot to force him out of office.

    Sources revealed that SDP members aligned with Nasir El-Rufai, the former Kaduna State governor who recently joined the party, are pressuring Agunloye to resign.

    Confirming the petition on Tuesday, Agunloye told The Cable, “I petitioned the IG about a person who forged letterhead paper and is threatening me to resign.”

    El-Rufai officially resigned from the All Progressives Congress (APC) on Monday and joined the SDP after months of strategic discussions with opposition leaders.

    A vocal critic of President Bola Tinubu’s administration, El-Rufai’s relationship with the APC soured after the Senate declined to confirm his ministerial nomination.

    In February, he claimed that Tinubu deliberately kept him out of the cabinet, dismissing reports that the National Assembly rejected him.

    In his resignation statement, El-Rufai vowed to unite opposition forces against the APC, stating, “As a member of the SDP, I will focus on engaging with and persuading other opposition leaders and parties to join us and congregate under a unified democratic platform to challenge the APC in all elections and bye-elections between now and 2027 by the Grace of God.”

    He also called on his supporters and Nigerians seeking political change to join the SDP, describing it as a platform for national transformation.

    Reacting to El-Rufai’s defection, Adewole Adebayo, the SDP’s 2023 presidential candidate, welcomed him to the party, describing him as an “asset with a verifiable and measurable track record of public performance.”

  • Ex-Kaduna gov, El-Rufai’s defection to SDP too hasty – Lukman

    Ex-Kaduna gov, El-Rufai’s defection to SDP too hasty – Lukman

    A former APC National Vice-Chairman (North West), Dr Salihu Lukman, has described former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir el-Rufai’s defection to Social Democratic Party (SDP) as too hasty.

    Lukman stated this while speaking with newsmen on Monday in Abuja.

    El-Rufai had, in a statement on his verified Facebook page on Monday, announced his defection from the ruling APC to SDP, citing some reasons for his action.

    Lukman, a political ally of el-Rufai and former National Working Committee (NWC) member of APC, expressed concern that the former governor’s defection could disrupt ongoing negotiations for a broader political coalition ahead of the 2027 general elections.

    Although he stated that el-Rufai’s defection had been anticipated, he, however, said that he should have exercised more patience to allow coalition talks to be finalised.

    “It was expected. Even after the interview he granted on a national television, you can see the handwriting on the wall. But whether it is going to come so soon is what even I couldn’t have said.

    “My expectation was that he should have been a bit patient for us to work as a group based on the current negotiation that is ongoing,” Lukman said.

    While acknowledging el-Rufai’s right to political association, the former APC chieftain warned that the timing of his defection might have unintended consequences for opposition realignments.

    When asked if he would be joining the former governor in SDP, the former Director-General of Progressives Governors’ Forum (PGF), said that could only happen if the party met the conditions set for it.

    “At the moment, they are yet to meet the conditions.We are in discussion, no doubt about it. If they meet the conditions tomorrow, fine,” he said.

    On the planned coalition, Lukman said that negotiations were still ongoing.

    “I think the discussion about whether SDP will be there or not has been an ongoing thing.

    “The challenge is the question of whether SDP will submit itself to some of the conditions that we believe are necessary,” he said.

    According to him, while most conventional politicians just need a platform to achieve political power, there are a few politicians, including himself, who believe the issue is beyond that.

    “What Nigerians need is a platform that will promote political competition in the country. If you remember, the problem Nigerians had with PDP is the problem of imposition of candidates,” he said.

  • ‘It’s time for good politics’ – Ex-presidential candidate welcomes El-Rufai to SDP

    ‘It’s time for good politics’ – Ex-presidential candidate welcomes El-Rufai to SDP

    The Social Democratic Party (SDP) presidential candidate in 2023, Adewole Adebayo, has described former Governor of Kaduna State, Nasir el-Rufai’s defection to the party as a welcome development, saying it is time for good politics.

    Adebayo, while reacting to el-Rufai’s defection from All Progressives Congress (APC) on his X handle, described the former governor as ‘a hardworking and sagacious person’.

    “On behalf of the teeming members of SDP and patriotic democrats who believe in Nigeria and her promise of inevitable greatness, I heartily welcome my dear brother, el-Rufai to our party.

    “With the hardworking and sagacious Malam joining our ranks, an avid worker for the people has been enlisted in our forces against poverty and insecurity.

    “Now is the time for us to put our collective shoulders behind the efforts to fulfill chapter 2 of the constitution and rescue Nigerians from bad governance and underdevelopment,” he said.

    According to him, all genuine democrats and true nationalists who believe in order, decency and honesty are welcome to SDP.

    Adebayo described SDP as a party governed by law, not men, constitution, not constipation of money or personal ambition.

    “Together, following the law, the constitution and manifesto of our party, we can set a good example of clean and ethical politics to emulate and rally Nigeria to the forefront of the liberation of Africa and peoples of the Black World.

    “Good politics begets good governance. Let no one sit on the fence any further. There is no time to waste. Join us on the March Again!” the former presidential candidate said.