The Social Democratic Party (SDP) has reaffirmed its commitment to unity and inclusivity as it welcomed a wave of new members, including former governorship candidates from the People’s Redemption Party (PRP).
This development marks a growing momentum for coalition-building among opposition parties ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 general elections.
At a press conference in Abuja on Wednesday, SDP National Chairman, Shehu Gabam, dismissed any notion of a “use and dump” culture in the party, assuring new members that they would be treated as equals. He emphasized that the SDP remains an independent and people-driven political force.
“If your interest is to build an institution, please join us as an individual. The moment you join the SDP, you have equal rights like all of us here,” Gabam stated. “In SDP, we are united, we are one force, one family. This party has no godfather. We are not funded by anyone, and we follow due process to ensure a vibrant party structure.”
Among the new SDP members are former PRP governorship candidates from the 2023 elections, including Emiyare Etete (Rivers), Elder Chris Agu (Enugu), Anthony Umeh (Anambra), Abdulkareem Mustapha (Kwara), and Capt. Ahmed Kaugama (Jigawa). Also joining is Adam Idris, the PRP’s candidate for the Kaduna North Federal Constituency.
The latest influx of politicians into the SDP comes in the wake of former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai’s defection from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) on March 10.
The defectors cited the need to rescue Nigeria from poor governance as a key motivation for their political shift. Makarfi Hayatuddeen, Chairman of the former PRP Gubernatorial Candidates Forum, framed their move as a strategic realignment rather than an act of frustration.
“We believe that the SDP is the party that can lead Nigeria to the greatness we have always envisioned,” Hayatuddeen said. “This is not merely a defection; it is a realignment of progressive forces to rescue Nigeria from the grip of failed leadership.”
He called on Nigerian youth to take an active role in shaping the country’s future. “Do not sit idle while the struggle for the soul of our nation is being fought. Be part of history. Join the SDP and run for office,” he urged.
Gabam assured that the SDP National Working Committee is open to genuine individuals seeking change but remains vigilant against elements attempting to destabilize the party.
“We are not afraid of crises. We have dealt with challenges before, up to the Supreme Court, and we have a system to handle any agents of sabotage,” he stated.