Adewole Adebayo, the Social Democratic Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, has denied rumors that Nasir El-Rufai, the former governor of Kaduna State, is speaking on the party’s behalf in coalition talks in advance of the general elections in 2027.
El-Rufai has been a strong supporter of an opposition coalition to take on the APC in 2027 since he defected from the ruling All Progressives Congress to the SDP in March.
El-Rufai is said to have made contact with a number of opposition and political leaders in an attempt to establish an alliance.
Adebayo has made it clear, nevertheless, that the SDP is not a member of any coalition led by El-Rufai or anybody else who is not the party’s leader.
Adebayo stressed the independence of the party’s leadership and decision-making in an interview with Channels Television on Wednesday evening.
“The SDP is not a part of any coalition that is headed by someone else.
“The SDP is led by Alh. Shehu Gabam and Olu Agunloye. He has not given me an assignment to do coalition on his behalf.
“He’s not given any assignment to my senior brother, El-Rufai. El-Rufai is not representing SDP in any coalition,” Adebayo stated.
When questioned about the possibility of the SDP entering a coalition, Adebayo noted that the party is exploring its options and planning strategically.
“The SDP is waiting, is expressing its own understanding of how best it will come together and remove this person and cause the APC and non-performing president called Bola Tinubu,” he said.
He further highlighted the SDP’s internal strategies, stating, “The SDP has plans, and we are looking at various options.
“And we realise that at the end of the option, we will need a political party that is viable.”
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