The Social Democratic Party (SDP) said its party is in high spirit to welcome more high-profile politicians, including governors and lawmakers, following the recent defection by former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, dumping the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). National Chairman of the SDP, Shehu Musa Gabam, made the disclosure, stating that El-Rufai’s strategic move has triggered an overwhelming interest among politicians across different parties to join SDP.
Gabam said “El-Rufai’s move has ignited a political shift. More prominent figures from the ruling APC and other parties are expected to follow suit”.
Although the party chair did not disclose any name amongst those being speculated to join SDP; however, rumors suggest that former Ekiti State Governor Kayode Fayemi and former Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola have concluded plan to join the SDP train.
But Fayemi has slammed the rumour of his planned defection, insisting that he remains committed to the APC.
Fayemi said, “My attention has been drawn to a story circulating on several online platforms regarding my defection from the APC. As I have had cause to state in the past, I am a card-carrying foundation member of the APC, and this position has not changed”.
In all the alignment and re-alignment, political analyst believe that El-Rufai’s departure from APC spells more than what the eyes can see within the ruling party, as concerns over internal democracy and leadership struggles continue to distance APC disciples apart.
Gabam reiterated that his party SDP remains focused on mobilizing grassroots democratic participation and will not consider merging with other parties.
“The SDP is not in alignment with the proponents of a merger of political parties. It is a recipe for chaos,” Gabam concluded.
