Atiku, Obi in Talks to Join SDP — Ex-Presidential Candidate

A long list of prominent politicians, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and former Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate Peter Obi, are reportedly in discussions to join the Social Democratic Party (SDP).

This was disclosed by Adewole Adebayo, the SDP presidential candidate in the 2023 general election.

Adebayo, speaking on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics, said associates of both Atiku and Obi are exploring the possibility of their principals joining the party.

He also confirmed that the SDP recently admitted a former governor of Kaduna State and a senior member of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

“People are joining the party, and we are welcoming them,” he said. “The only challenge is the need for a shift in political culture, particularly around adherence to internal rules and procedures.”

Adebayo criticized what he described as informal and non-transparent negotiations by some politicians, adding that the SDP would address such concerns internally.

He said, “You mentioned El-Rufai, Atiku Abubakar, and Peter Obi — many of them are in talks, and we are open to receiving them.”

When asked directly whether Obi is set to join the party, Adebayo replied, “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 accommodate newcomers who respect its internal processes.

“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.”

Peter Obi, who placed third in the 2023 presidential election with over six million votes, has maintained that he remains a member of the Labour Party. Atiku Abubakar finished second behind APC’s Bola Tinubu.

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