Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and former Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate Peter Obi are reportedly in discussions about joining the Social Democratic Party (SDP), according to Adewole Adebayo, the party’s presidential candidate in the 2023 general election.
Adebayo disclosed this during an interview on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics, where he revealed that associates of both Atiku and Obi are exploring the possibility of their principals joining the SDP.
“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 party had recently admitted a former governor of Kaduna State and a senior member of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), signaling a growing realignment in Nigeria’s political space.
“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 directly whether Obi was set to join the party, Adebayo responded, “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 emphasized that the SDP would only accept politicians who align with its values and respect its internal democratic process.
“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,” he said.