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Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and former Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate Peter Obi are reportedly in discussions about potentially joining the Social Democratic Party (SDP), according to Adewole Adebayo, the SDP’s presidential candidate in the 2023 general election.
Adebayo made the revelation during an appearance on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics, stating that associates of both Atiku and Obi have been engaging in talks with the party.
“You mentioned El-Rufai, Atiku Abubakar, and Peter Obi; many of them are in talks, and we are open to receiving them,” Adebayo said.
He confirmed that the SDP recently admitted a former governor of Kaduna State and a senior member of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), suggesting a broader political realignment in the country.
“People are joining the party, and we are welcoming them,” he stated. “The only challenge is the need for a shift in political culture, particularly around adherence to internal rules and procedures.”
When asked specifically about Peter Obi’s status, Adebayo said, “Until someone officially joins, we can’t be certain. But I’ve received information from party officials, including the Financial Secretary, that discussions are ongoing.”
He stressed that the SDP would only welcome politicians who share the party’s values and are willing to embrace its internal democratic principles.
“If they can align with our values and participate in a transparent, credible internal democratic process as we did in 2022, then together we can offer Nigerians a viable alternative,” Adebayo said.
The development comes amid growing speculation about political shifts ahead of the next general election, as major figures in Nigerian politics consider their options in the evolving landscape.