We Won’t Dance to El-Rufai’s Tune – SDP Fires Back, Rejects Coalition Move!”

The Social Democratic Party (SDP)’s 2023 presidential candidate, Prince Adewole Adebayo, has firmly refuted claims that the party is part of a coalition reportedly being spearheaded by former Kaduna State Governor, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, in opposition to President Bola Tinubu.

It is recalled that El-Rufai left the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) for the SDP in March and has since been advocating for a united opposition front aimed at unseating President Tinubu in the 2027 general elections.

He has also been engaging with key political figures across opposition lines to form a strategic alliance under the SDP banner.

However, during an interview on Channels Television on Wednesday, Adebayo clarified that the SDP is not participating in any coalition activities led by El-Rufai. He emphasized that El-Rufai is not acting on behalf of the party in any formal capacity.

“The SDP is not involved in any coalition led by another individual,” Adebayo said. “The party is under the leadership of Alhaji Shehu Gabam and Dr. Olu Agunloye. I have not been mandated to enter any coalition on their behalf, and my elder brother, El-Rufai, has not been given such a mandate either. He is not representing the SDP in any coalition arrangement.”

When asked about the possibility of SDP joining a coalition, Adebayo responded that the party is carefully evaluating its strategies and considering its next move.

He said, “The SDP is taking its time, analyzing the situation, and exploring how best to challenge the APC and President Bola Tinubu, whom we consider to be underperforming. We are reviewing our options and understand that any successful plan must be rooted in a strong and credible political platform.”