A recent development in Nigeria’s political landscape suggests that Peter Obi, the 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, is in discussions to join the Social Democratic Party (SDP). This revelation was made by Adewole Adebayo, the SDP’s 2023 presidential candidate, during an appearance on Television on sunday. Adebayo hinted that Obi might follow in the footsteps of former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, who recently defected to the SDP.
Despite these claims, Peter Obi has consistently maintained that he remains a member of the Labour Party.
However, there have been ongoing speculations about his political future, particularly given his interactions with other opposition figures like former Vice President Atiku Abubakar. The SDP has been actively courting prominent politicians ahead of the 2027 elections, with El-Rufai urging key opposition leaders to join the party rather than pursuing a merger or forming a new party.
Loyalists of Peter Obi have reportedly been lobbying the SDP, exploring the possibility of his defection.
The party’s National Secretary, Olu Agunloye, confirmed that discussions have taken place, although Obi has yet to officially declare his intention to join the SDP. The SDP is positioning itself as a viable alternative for opposition figures seeking to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the upcoming elections.
The South East zone of the SDP has also extended an invitation to both Obi and Atiku to join the party, affirming its support for the party’s leadership. As political realignments continue ahead of the 2027 polls, the SDP is emerging as a potential platform for opposition figures seeking to unseat President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
