Adebayo hints Atiku, Peter Obi in talks to join SDP, vows to retire Tinubu in 2027

Adewole Adebayo, the 2023 presidential candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), has revealed that opposition heavyweights Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi are in discussions to join the SDP ahead of the 2027 general elections, with a view to forming a formidable coalition to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).Speaking during an interview on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics, Adebayo said negotiations are underway with allies of both Atiku and Obi, and expressed confidence that their defection to the SDP is imminent.Abubakar and Obi contested the 2023 presidential election under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Labour Party (LP) platforms, respectively.

While both men have publicly denied reports of any plans to abandon their parties, recent joint appearances have fueled speculation about a possible realignment within the opposition.“People are joining my party, and we are welcoming them,” Adebayo said. “I’ve been very active in receiving new members.



The only issue we sometimes face is helping them adjust to our political culture, especially if they’re coming from parties where rules are loosely followed.”He hinted that top political figures such as former Kaduna State Governor Nasir el-Rufai, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, and former Anambra Governor Peter Obi are on their way to the SDP.“All these people you have mentioned—el-Rufai, Atiku Abubakar, and even former governor Peter Obi—are coming.

A lot of people are coming, and we will welcome them,” he said confidently.READ ALSO: SDP emerges as key player in Nigeria’s 2027 presidential election amid political realignmentsPressed for clarity on Obi’s status, Adebayo admitted that the discussions remain unofficial for now but confirmed that senior party officials have been in contact with Obi’s camp.“Supposedly, until somebody joins, we don’t know.

But people have told me—and the financial secretary has also informed me—that they are talking. So we will welcome everybody,” he added.Adebayo emphasized that the SDP remains committed to transparent internal democracy and warned that any new entrants must align with the party’s values.

“If they can stick to our culture and follow the way we do things in the SDP, we will produce a good alternative to Nigerians. We are going to manifestly defeat the APC and retire President Tinubu to Lagos—or wherever he chooses in Nigeria,” he said.His remarks come just days after Tope Fasua, Special Adviser to the President on Economic Affairs, dismissed the opposition’s chances in 2027, citing internal disunity and what he described as “inevitable frustration.

”Adebayo’s comments have added a new layer of intrigue to the evolving political landscape, as parties begin early maneuvering for what is expected to be a high-stakes 2027 general election.The post Adebayo hints Atiku, Peter Obi in talks to join SDP, vows to retire Tinubu in 2027 appeared first on National Daily Newspaper..