The Nigerian political landscape is bracing for a seismic shift as prominent figures from Muhammadu Buhari’s administration, including former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo and ex-Attorney General Abubakar Malami, are reportedly set to join the Social Democratic Party (SDP). This move follows the shocking defection of former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, from the All Progressives Congress (APC), signaling a major political realignment ahead of the 2027 elections.
According to sources, key opposition figures, including Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar and Labour Party (LP) flagbearer Peter Obi, are also considering crossing over to the SDP. The aim? To form a formidable coalition against the ruling APC and President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
A reliable insider revealed to SaharaReporters:
> “Atiku, Peter Obi, Abubakar Malami, Pastor Tunde Bakare, and Prof. Yemi Osinbajo are all planning to join SDP in the coming days. Most of Buhari’s regime remnants are heading there.”
El-Rufai, who officially resigned from the APC on Monday, wasted no time in directing his loyalists and political machinery to shift allegiance to the SDP. His exit was accompanied by scathing remarks about the ruling party’s deviation from its founding principles.
Citing deep-seated discontent, he accused APC leaders of abandoning progressive ideals, suffocating internal democracy, and treating party members with disdain.
> “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 platform for the pursuit of the progressive values I cherish,” El-Rufai stated.
The speculation about Peter Obi’s potential defection to the SDP gained momentum after Bashir El-Rufai, son of the former Kaduna governor, dropped a cryptic hint on social media.
Responding to a post on X (formerly Twitter) that questioned the SDP’s chances of winning in 2027 without Obi’s involvement, Bashir simply wrote: “He is coming.”
This subtle yet powerful statement has sent shockwaves through the political space, fueling intense speculation about Obi’s next move.
The SDP, once a dormant party, is now emerging as a viable third-force alternative, particularly with the potential entry of heavyweight politicians. Already, the party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Adewole Adebayo, has described El-Rufai as an asset, acknowledging his strengths while cautioning that he must address his weaknesses.
> “He is a hardworking individual with a measurable track record, but he has his flaws. I am not his mentor or therapist,” Adebayo said on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief.
However, El-Rufai’s defection is clouded by corruption allegations linked to his tenure as Kaduna governor. An ad hoc committee of the Kaduna State House of Assembly accused him and his administration of mismanaging loans, awarding dubious contracts, and laundering public funds.
The committee recommended that El-Rufai and his associates be investigated by anti-corruption agencies. Already, the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has arraigned three of his former aides—ex-Senior Special Adviser Lawal Adebisi, ex-Accountant General Umar Waziri, and former Finance Commissioner Yusuf Inuwa—over an alleged ₦64.8 million money laundering case.
Although El-Rufai himself has not been formally charged, the corruption cloud hanging over him could cast a shadow on his political resurgence in the SDP.
As Nigeria marches toward 2027, the political chessboard is shifting dramatically. With APC facing internal strife, the PDP struggling for cohesion, and LP seeking direction, the SDP’s sudden prominence could be a game-changer.
If Atiku, Obi, Osinbajo, and other high-profile figures indeed jump ship, the 2027 election could witness a three-way showdown—potentially disrupting APC’s dominance and redefining the country’s political future.
One thing is certain: Nigerians should brace for an intense political battle like never before.
PIONEER NEWS 