18 hours Ago By Ololade
A high-stakes meeting took place in Abuja on Tuesday, as key allies of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and ex-Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai converged with the leadership of the Social Democratic Party (SDP). The closed-door gathering, held at the SDP national secretariat, has set off speculation about potential alliances and realignments ahead of the 2027 general elections. Among the notable attendees were Maj.
Hamza Al-Mustapha, an ex-presidential candidate and former Chief Security Officer to the late Gen Sani Abacha, and Atiku’s former spokesman, Otunba Segun Showunmi. The meeting is described as part of a broader strategy to forge alliances among opposition figures, aiming to present a formidable challenge to President Bola Tinubu in the next election cycle. Showunmi confirmed the meeting on Facebook, describing it as a “strategic gathering” convened by SDP Chairman, Shehu Gabam, to evaluate the state of opposition politics in Nigeria.
READ ALSO: Tinubu’s Greatest Mistake Is Fuel Subsidy Removal – Ex-SDP Candidate, Adebayo “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, Otunba Segun Showunmi. The alternative to meet, greet, and review the state of opposition democratic engagement in Nigeria,” Showunmi wrote. Gabam stated that the meeting was not about official party affiliations but rather about finding like-minded individuals who share a vision for Nigeria’s progress.
“There is no official statement from El-Rufai or any one of them about officially joining SDP. “It’s not about a political party; it’s about the future of Nigeria,” Gabam told Punch. The meeting comes amid speculation about potential cracks within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
El-Rufai’s involvement in discussions with SDP leaders has fueled speculation about his potential defection, which he has denied. As Nigeria inches toward the 2027 elections, this meeting signals an intensifying effort among opposition groups to consolidate and strategize for a united front against the ruling APC..
