“You Can’t Hijack SDP for Personal Battles” – Adebayo Fires Back at Atiku, El-Rufai Over Alleged Anti-Tinubu Agenda
Abuja, Nigeria – April 22, 2025 — The political atmosphere in Nigeria has once again been stirred as the presidential candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) in the 2023 general election, Prince Adewole Adebayo, issued a fiery warning to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and ex-Governor of Kaduna State Nasir El-Rufai, accusing them of plotting to hijack the SDP for a personal vendetta against President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
In a strongly worded statement released in Abuja on Monday, Adebayo cautioned both Atiku and El-Rufai against what he described as “desperate political maneuvers” aimed at weaponizing the SDP as a tool for personal revenge, rather than advancing the party’s core democratic ideals.
“The SDP is not a political sanctuary for wounded lions. It is a platform built on the legacy of Moshood Kashimawo Abiola, on the values of justice, equity, and national unity. No one, no matter how powerful or aggrieved, will be allowed to turn this house into a war room for personal grievances against President Tinubu,” Adebayo stated.
Mounting Tensions Ahead of 2027
While neither Atiku nor El-Rufai has publicly declared any interest in joining the SDP, recent political movements and behind-the-scenes alignments have triggered speculations of an emerging opposition front against President Tinubu’s administration. Sources suggest that talks are ongoing among top political figures disenchanted with the current government, including the possibility of co-opting smaller parties like the SDP to build a formidable coalition for the 2027 general elections.
Adebayo, however, insists that the SDP will not allow itself to be used as a pawn in any such political chess game.
“This party is open to all Nigerians, but not to those who seek to abuse its name and structure for personal gain. We will resist any attempt to drag us into a proxy war that has nothing to do with the interest of the Nigerian people,” he declared.
A Call for Ideological Integrity
Prince Adebayo emphasized the need for political actors to return to issue-based politics, noting that the SDP remains committed to offering credible alternatives rather than joining opposition-for-opposition’s sake.
“It’s time we rose above the politics of bitterness. If you have issues with President Tinubu, confront him with facts and policy critiques, not by trying to hijack our party and distort its values. Nigerians deserve better,” he added.
Adebayo also called on SDP stakeholders and loyalists across the country to remain vigilant and resist infiltration by external forces with ulterior motives.
Mixed Reactions from the Political Class
The statement has drawn reactions from political watchers and analysts across the country. While some commend Adebayo for standing firm in defense of the SDP’s identity, others see his remarks as an early sign of internal party tension that could affect the opposition’s ability to form a united front in the coming election cycles.
A senior political analyst, Dr. Grace Ayoola, told our correspondent: “What Adebayo is doing is commendable. He’s trying to protect his party’s sovereignty. But let’s not kid ourselves—2027 is already in motion, and alliances will be made, broken, and remade. The question is, who gets to control the narrative?”
Atiku, El-Rufai Yet to Respond
As of press time, neither Atiku Abubakar nor Nasir El-Rufai had responded to Adebayo’s claims. However, insiders suggest that strategic meetings have been ongoing in both camps, potentially signaling the birth of a new political bloc ahead of 2027.
Conclusion
The unfolding drama highlights a deeper power struggle within Nigeria’s opposition politics. As the 2027 elections inch closer, the battle for control, identity, and direction of smaller parties like the SDP is likely to intensify. Prince Adebayo’s bold stance could set the tone for what lies ahead in Nigeria’s turbulent political terrain.
Tags: SDP, Adewole Adebayo, Atiku Abubakar, Nasir El-Rufai, Bola Tinubu, Nigerian Politics, 2027 Elections, Political Hijack, SDP News, Opposition Politics
Would you like this turned into a publishable blog format or converted to HTML?
