The National Secretary of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Dr. Olu Agunloye, has stated that the defection of former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, will bring significant value to the party.
Speaking with journalists in Akure, Agunloye noted that El-Rufai’s move to the SDP is a major development that could contribute to the party’s growth and influence in Nigerian politics.
He described El-Rufai as a well-known figure with a history of strong leadership and achievements in various positions, including his roles as the owner of Intercellular Nigeria, head of the Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE), Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, and Governor of Kaduna State.
“El-Rufai is well known for his vibrant productivity as proprietor of intercellular company, as boss of BPE, as Minister, as Governor of Kaduna and as a person and politician. He will add value.
“The former minister and former governor, El-Rufai, is welcome to our great party. The key issue is not about how to welcome or celebrate him but what he is bringing on the table and what his motives and programmes are.
“But he will have to disclose his reasons for leaving the ruling party to join SDP. But I presume it is related to 2027 because we are in the season of alignments, alliances, and coalitions for power”.
Agunloye said with the defection of El-Rufai, the party “is set to welcome more high-profile politicians, including lawmakers. The big shots are coming, and there are indications that more big shots are preparing to come.
“If they mean well and want to address the issues of social insecurity, economic stability, and sustainable development, we will do well.
“We will work together to fashion out a smooth and effective platform for the transformation of Nigeria.
“But if what they want is a collaboration based on conspiracy or hangup against any individual or just for grabbing power for its sake, their mission will fail and could crash the SDP platform.
“The coming of more politicians can strengthen SDP if handled diligently and constructively not just to position SDP as a third force but as the first force. But the influx may be counterproductive, too”
Agunloye, however, said a strategic move to unite political forces against the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) should not be ruled out.
According to him “the evolution of APC is different. We have no interest in that system.
“However, an existing SDP, which is able to manage itself well in the face of an avalanche of high-profile politicians and achievers, armed with meticulously focused programmes centred on good governance for sustainable development can win the 2027 election at federal and state levels.
The former Minister said that ” the SDP believes in properly organised coalitions and collaboration to achieve a goal, but that must not must be for personal gains or vendetta.
According to him ” SDP is desirous of a coalition to build a consensus for good governance and not as conspiracy”
