The Social Democratic Party (SDP) has reaffirmed Dr. Olu Agunloye’s position as the National Secretary of the party, following concerns raised about moves to force the party scribe out soon after some new members, including former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai joined the party.
In a statement released after its National Working Committee (NWC) meeting on Thursday, March 13, 2025, the party leadership dismissed any claims of a crisis within the SDP, clarifying that the entry of new members does not threaten the existing leadership structure.
The NWC categorically stated that there was no basis for speculations regarding Agunloye’s removal.
It reassured that Agunloye’s position as the party’s scribe remains intact while also condemning recent protests against him.
The party leadership further resolved to investigate and identify the organizers of the protest, warning that any member found culpable would face disciplinary action.
According to the statement released by Mr. Rufus Ayenigba, the party’s National Publicity Secretary “There is no crisis whatsoever in the SDP as a result of the influx of new members. There is no threat to Dr. Agunloye’s position as National Secretary of the SDP.”
Reiterating its commitment to internal democracy, the SDP emphasized that all current NWC members were elected at the 2022 National Convention and would serve their full four-year term until 2026 unless removed through a new convention.
The party also maintained that no executive member would be displaced due to the arrival of new entrants.
Furthermore, the NWC, in obvious reference to Dr. Agunloye’s current court case instituted against him by the EFCC regarding a 2003 Federal Executive Council matter on the controversial Mambilla Power project, underscored that an accused person remains innocent until proven guilty by a competent court of law.
The SDP concluded by affirming its status as a well-structured political party guided by democratic principles and best practices, assuring members and the public of its continued adherence to constitutional provisions in all its operations.
Also, on Friday morning, while speaking on AriseTV The Morning Show, the SDP Presidential Candidate in the 2023 presidential elections, Chief Adewole Adebayo spoke in a similar vein. According to him, Agunloye, who had been National Chairman of the party, had sacrificed in the past for the national interest and good standing of the party when he agreed to step down to become National Secretary.
