By Bolaji O. Akinyemi
Greetings to all Nigerians, particularly to Stewards Of Nation, SON, who, in hope of a better and greater country are labouring with us. Many of whom I may never meet on this side of time. Those that I have had the opportunity to meet and bonded with ideologically, I salute you specially!
I have great respect for ideological thinkers and recently, two of them from the pool reached out—one indirectly and the other directly!
Martin White-Uffah announced on Facebook that he was joining the Social Democratic Party (SDP) with the hope of effecting change in 2027. Meanwhile, Edward Nnachi, a Punch newspaper correspondent in the Southeast, responded to my message on WhatsApp by asking: El-Rufai has joined the SDP, Apostle, where are we pitching our tent ahead of 2027? Given the several thousands of Readers out there, who like Nnachi hold me in respect and my political views are worth their consideration, I write this letter.
The political tide is shifting and while time waits for no one, Nigerians seem to be lagging behind. Leading up to the 2023 elections, I foresaw these shifts and warned Nigerians, but few paid attention!
I wrote an article titled “Social Democratic Party: An Old Horse Saddled for a New Race”, published by multiple media outlets on March 17, 2022. It has been three years since then, and what the masses failed to do then, the elites are now doing for their own interests!
Nigerians are not as politically savvy as the ruling elite and their foot soldiers!
The annulment of the June 12, 1993, presidential election remains one of the most defining moments in Nigeria’s political history. Whenever it is mentioned, Nigerians recall Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola, its presumed winner, (after confirmed and Affirmed by all payers) and Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida, the self-proclaimed Military President who annulled what was regarded as Nigeria’s freest and fairest election.
Yet, we often overlook Professor Humphrey Nwosu, the man who conducted that election. Had he been Fulani, the INEC headquarters might have been named after him! Had he been Yoruba, a university of statistics might bear his name!
But he is Igbo—one of Nigeria’s “unfortunate tribes”, in the contraction called Nigeria. Worse still are the Hausa, who, despite their vast numbers, have been politically subdued by the Fulani through religious manipulations!
Babangida’s Book Launch and the Re-awakening of SDP:
Some notable past members of the SDP include, Atiku Abubakar, Jerry Gana, Abubakar Rimi, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, and Bola Tinubu, who was a member before joining the Alliance for Democracy (AD), to realise his dream of becoming the Governor of Lagos State in 1999.
We must not forget the politics that aided Babagana Kingibe, who was elected SDP party Chairman in 1990, but became the 1993 ticket holder alongside MKO Abiola as the Vice. The repetition of the South West and North East alliance in 2023 deserves political interrogation. But Nigeria is a country of Talkers with very few Thinkers.
Some political pundits with whom I have had conversations are interrogating a potential secret alliance between Adewole Adebayo, the SDP presidential candidate, and Bola Tinubu, the current President of Nigeria and a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), the drama on the AriseTV morning show on Friday, 14th March 2025, With Adewole Adebayo as the Guest and Reuben Abati, Rufai Oseni and Ayo Mario-Ese as host makes it look like a smoke with which we can trace the fire of this public suspicion, though there is no evidence to support it. But as the saying goes, there is no smoke without fire. This, if true, I believe may be the most destabizing political game in the history of Nigeria.
This may lead to an alliance between the APC and SDP in 2027, if it happens, it’s another Muslim/Muslim Ticket of Tinubu/El-Rufai. Exposing Adebayo for what he may not be; a space holder in 2023 for the ultimate game that 2027 will be.
While this is difficult to conclude on, it’s not entirely impossible. Nigerian politics can be unpredictable, and alliances can shift quickly.
It’s also worth mentioning that Adewole Adebayo has been quite vocal about his intentions to bring about positive change in Nigeria, and his campaign has focused on issues like insecurity, economic development, and social justice. Whether or not he would be open to an alliance with the APC remains to be seen.
On February 25, 2025, Babangida launched his book “My Journey in Service.” Political heavyweights—including President Bola Ahmed Tinubu (APC), Atiku Abubakar (PDP), Peter Obi (Labour Party), and Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso (NNPP)—were present. Omoyele Sowore, an established anti-establishment figure, was predictably absent. However, Nasir El-Rufai, a key player in Northern politics, was also missing—perhaps strategically positioned for his new role in the SDP!
The Social Democratic Party (SDP) in Nigeria has a rich history dating back to 1989, when it was created alongside the National Republican Convention by former military president Ibrahim Babangida. The party was designed to be a center-left platform, advocating for social justice and improved welfare.
It wasn’t only Sowore that went missing from the party of the founder of SDP, IBB. Adebayo was, too. Adebayo stands out as a thoughtful, diplomatic figure. If SDP was once the ground where hope was planted under Abiola, then Sowore, for his activism, should be the seed. But Adebayo, with his refined policy vision, is perhaps the true heir to Abiola’s ideological legacy. His economic policies align with liberal market principles, much like Sowore’s!
However, El-Rufai’s defection to SDP raises concerns. Adebayo welcomed him, calling it “a time for good politics.” But good politics is the game of good men, not tribal jingoists or religious extremists!
Has Adebayo studied El-Rufai’s past speeches in Hausa? Does he know the role El-Rufai played before and after the 2023 governorship elections?
Eyes must be on the three Northern Political Strategists in the game as it advances!
There are three notable figures in Northern politics whose influence has determined the nation’s direction one way or the other since 2015—often to the detriment of the people!
1. Buba Galadima – A former ally of Buhari who later became Atiku’s spokesperson in 2019. He has a history of shifting loyalties. His criticisms of Buhari once made him appear as a hero, but he remains a political salesman!
2. Usman Bugaje – Known for his blunt critiques of the establishment. He was the one to announce the undercurrents of Machineries engagement from neighbouring countries that saw Buhari to power in 2015. Now the first to hint at the SDP becoming a refuge for displaced politicians.
3. Nasir El-Rufai – A master political strategist who once advocated for retiring political godfathers but later assisted Tinubu in securing power in 2023!
With Baguje and El-Rufai in SDP we only need to await the home coming of Galadima and the dice of a full game will be cast. Will the party become a true alternative or just another vehicle for Nigeria’s recycled elites?
The Real Problem: A Broken System
Nigeria’s presidential system remains dangerously centralized. The President appoints all federal university vice-chancellors—an example of the over-concentration of power. Even if we had a ticket featuring Jesus the son of Mary, and Muhammad the son of Amina they would fail under our current system!
Without constitutional reforms, any leader we elect in 2027 will struggle. The same cash-and-carry system that elevated today’s leaders will continue to select our rulers!
Adewole Adebayo recently posted on X (formerly Twitter):
“Now is the time for us to put our collective shoulders behind the efforts to fulfill Chapter 2 of the Constitution and rescue Nigerians from bad governance and underdevelopment, to restore #HopeAgain2027 to the suffering masses callously left behind in the locust years of the APC and its co-travelers in the PDP.”
This statement raises critical questions:
If Adebayo sees APC and PDP as two sides of the same coin, how does SDP—which now attract defectors from these same parties—plan to be different? A new Guest as just arrived at the SDP ongoing party in person of Major Hamza Al Mustapha. The frenzy of APC and its mantra; change, is still very fresh in our memories. SDP partying is not about to end, but will it end in celebration for Nigerians?
Can a party that welcomes political investors like El-Rufai truly offer hope? Sceptical! Downright sceptical!!
When will SDP’s old members interrogate El-Rufai’s past, including his payments to Fulani herdsmen and the rise in violence in Southern Kaduna during his tenure?
El-Rufai’s supporters who followed him to SDP are quickly demanding for Olu Agunloye’s resignation over corruption should make us pause. When will El-Rufai himself answer for his own past actions? How much did he pay for peace in Kaduna, and how many people were killed under his administration?
The Way Forward:
Constitutional Reforms, Not Just Elections!
If we truly want change, we must push for constitutional and Electoral reforms. A revolution, whether legislative or full-blown, is necessary!
Without it, 2027 will simply replace one set of looters with another!
Sowore often says, “Things cannot continue like this.” If Nigerians cannot organize a full revolution, we must at least unite to pressure the National Assembly into a legislative revolution!
We need:
1. Electoral reforms to end vote-buying and rigging!
2.Decentralization of power to prevent over-centralized control by the executive.
3. New political platforms genuinely funded by Nigerians, not recycled elites!
If we fail to take these steps, the same politicians who ruined PDP, then jumped to APC, will now take over SDP—only to continue their cycle of plunder!
Nigerians must wake up. We must look before we leap!
Dr Bolaji O. Akinyemi, is absolutely a commendable brand in Apostolic and Nation Building efforts towards a changed nation and a renewed and revived church, within the Nigeria Church and political ecosystem.
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