Last week’s meeting between some political actors with the leadership of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) has given more direction about the rumoured alliance among opposition parties ahead of the 2027 general election.
The meeting, which was held on January 6, was attended by some political heavyweights, including former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai and allies of ex-Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Hamza Al-Mustapha and the SDP Chairman Shehu Gabam among others.
In recent days, it has continued to generate media attention and sparked reactions among Nigerians as the 2027 election draws closer.
Although the SDP national chairman has denied that the meeting was linked to the planned merger by opposition parties against the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) for the 2027 general election, sources within the main opposition People’s Democratic Party (PDP) told BusinessDay that it was part of the efforts to strategise forward.
The sources said the opposition leaders had realised the importance of working together and would explore available avenues to make it possible.
“Yes, there was a meeting like you know; it may have been called for further consultation; the planned alliance talk among the politicians, but it may be too early to speculate on anything now, let us watch the next few months and see.
“There is nothing solid yet, but I want to believe the leaders are working toward a common interest,” the source said.
In a post on his Facebook page, a chieftain of the PDP who worked closely with Atiku in the 2023 general election, and also attended the meeting, Segun Showunmi had said the meeting was strategic.
Showunmi noted that the meeting was called to review the opposition democratic engagement in Nigeria and plan a stronger opposition ahead of the 2027 general election.
“You must set forth at dawn! A strategic meeting was called by HE Shehu Gabam, chairman of SDP, with HE Nasir El-Rufai, major Hamza Al-Mustapha, Otunba Segun Showunmi. The alternative to meet, greet, and review the state of opposition democratic engagement in Nigeria,” Showunmi wrote.
Some other sources said last week meeting was part of on-going moves to foster alliances among opposition leaders, aimed at presenting a unified challenge to President Bola Tinubu in the upcoming election.
Last week, El-Rufail had denied claim in some quarters that he was planning to dump the ruling APC for an opposition party. The former Kaduna State governor, in a post on his X handle on Sunday asked Nigerians to disregard the claim.
“Please, disregard the patent lies and rumours about my political affiliation. I have referred the lead peddlers of the fake news for action by my lawyers,” the former Kaduna governor said.
The former Kaduna governor has been throwing jibes at the presidency and the ruling party since he was denied a ministerial seat in the federal cabinet.
El-Rufai recently shared an article on his X account, accusing President Bola Tinubu of nepotism in favour of his Yoruba kinsmen.
Observers say his actions could be a signal of his departure from the ruling party ahead of 2027 general election.
In recent months many Northern leaders who have expressed discontent with the leadership style of the Tinubu’s administration and controversial reforms have moved to join the opposition and form alliance ahead 2027.
Last weekend, former Kano State governor, Ibrahim Shekarau-led League of Northern Democrats (NLD), hinted at efforts to transform to a political party ahead of the 2027 general election.
In recent months, political commentators have questioned the strength and capacity of opposition alliance to dislodge the ruling party.
Many fear such alliance may not succeed or fail at the last minute over personal ambition and interest of the political actors. Particularly, choosing a candidate to fly the group’s presidential flag could cause division if care is not taken or discussed amicably by parties.
Speaking on the meeting, the SDP chairman, Gabam said there is no official statement from El-Rufai or anyone else about officially joining SDP.
According to him, “As I said, they are open to conversation and negotiations for a better Nigeria. It’s not about a political party; it’s about the future of Nigeria.”
He further emphasized the party’s commitment to fostering national progress, stating, “We are looking for like-minded people who believe in the future of the country so that we can work together and uplift the individual standard of Nigeria.”
Gabam also stressed that the SDP was a party dedicated to providing constructive opposition, one that aimed to stabilize the country and prevent crises that could affect Nigerians.
“There is an ongoing conversation. When the time comes, we will arrive at a conclusion, and we will hold an official press conference. Once we agree on what we are going to do together, we will unveil it to all Nigerians”, Gabam stressed.
Meanwhile, many Nigerians have reacted to pictures and reports of the politicians meeting on social media. While some commended the gathering, others warned some of the individuals may not be trusted.
Elijah Uwa said, “I just hope Mallam El-Rufai won’t go and take the Atiku option. I really trust he knows politics more than mixing with Al-Mustapha and his likes. We need a common opposition alliance ahead 2027, there is no doubt about that to move the country forward.”
Also, Sunday Mark said, “If these other politicians haven’t learnt a lesson in how divisive politics are played using random individuals who masquerade as good Samaritans, then the Wikes and Bwalas and Renos of this world have taught them nothing. @elrufai must have to be wary of some people.”
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