In a move stirring Nigeria’s political landscape, former governor Nasir El-Rufai has visited the Social Democratic Party (SDP) secretariat, signaling his interest in forming a new mega-party similar to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
This visit followed an earlier meeting at El-Rufai’s home with National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, APC chieftain Kashim Ibrahim-Imam, and SDP Chairman Shehu Musa Gabam, highlighting a growing coalition effort.
Sources familiar with the nation’s political dynamics suggest El-Rufai, a key figure in the 2014 APC formation, is exploring alliances with leaders from various political factions to establish a new party platform. El-Rufai’s outreach is reportedly aimed at uniting dissatisfied elements from across the political spectrum, including the SDP, Labour Party, and even parts of the APC and People’s Democratic Party (PDP).
Earlier this year, reports surfaced about the PDP setting up a Think Tank to strategize on creating a mega-party and finding a new figurehead to rejuvenate the party. This comes as younger PDP members challenge Atiku Abubakar’s prolonged influence over the party, advocating for fresh leadership.
An insider revealed that the proposed mega-party would involve members defecting from the APC, PDP, SDP, and Labour Party, aiming to replicate the successful coalition model that formed the APC in 2015. “El-Rufai played a key role in the 2015 coalition with Tinubu and Buhari’s CPC. The same strategy is being considered to form a new mega-party that could provide an effective opposition to the APC,” the source stated.
The plan has three main strategies: merging with one of the existing parties, forming a completely new political platform, or creating a coalition with leaders from various parties. El-Rufai’s recent visit to the SDP is seen as an attempt to gauge the interest of potential partners.
Dissatisfaction within both the PDP and APC has intensified, with some members believing that their respective parties are too damaged to serve as viable opposition forces. While some PDP members argue for the removal of Atiku to rejuvenate the party, others advocate for a new platform that aligns with their interests. Meanwhile, figures from the Labour Party and SDP are also contemplating a broader coalition to enhance their chances of gaining power at the national level.
Moreover, the Kwankwaso-led Kwankwasiyya Movement remains a significant player, with key political figures aligning themselves in preparation for a possible realignment. A former PDP member from the South West described the atmosphere as one of anticipation, noting that, “El-Rufai’s moves signal that something significant is unfolding. The opposition is in a state of flux, seeking a way to redefine itself and challenge the status quo.”
With internal divisions growing within Nigeria’s major political parties, El-Rufai’s maneuvers could be the catalyst for a new political alignment, potentially reshaping the country’s political future.
