The National Chairman of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Alhaji Shehu Gabam, has spoken on speculations that former Vice President and 2023 presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar, may be considering a move to the party.
This comes amid ongoing discussions about a possible opposition coalition ahead of the 2027 presidential election to challenge President Bola Tinubu and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
The speculation grew stronger after Atiku and other opposition leaders, including a representative of Peter Obi, held a press conference at the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Centre in Abuja. The meeting was convened shortly after President Tinubu declared emergency rule in Rivers State, leading to the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara and other elected officials.
During the press conference, Atiku hinted at the possibility of an opposition coalition.
When asked about Atiku’s rumoured move to the SDP on Channels TV’s Politics Today on Monday, Gabam said:
“Well, I won’t get there until we get there.”
The host, Seun Okinbaloye, pressed further, referencing SDP members who were seen with Atiku during the press conference and speculating that the SDP could become a major opposition platform in 2027.
Gabam responded saying, “The SDP is an excellent political party and an excellent platform for any career politician and for anyone who would want to join politics.
“We make sure we abide by the rules. We have to be strict. We make sure there’s deterrence. Nobody is indispensable as far as the party is concerned. When you breach the law, the law will take its course. There must be discipline in the political party. So what I’m saying is that the party is open to any genuine Nigerian who wants to join the party and aspire to any position. The moment you register as a member of the party, you can contest from councillor to president. There’s no restriction at all. Unless we are in a situation where a waiver is needed, the party will sit down and consider giving a waiver.”
When asked if the SDP is involved in coalition talks with other parties, Gabam distanced himself from such discussions.
He said, “Well, you know, there are a lot of groupings going on. I’m not part of those groupings. I’m not part of those coalition meetings.”
Pressed further on whether the SDP would consider forming a coalition, he answered, “I am a chairman of a political party. I’m not supposed to be part of all these group discussions going on because they have their own conflicting interests embedded in those meetings. But the moment they make up their mind, if this is their decision and they want to join the SDP, we will welcome them 100%.”