The 2023 presidential candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Adewole Adebayo, has celebrated the defection of the former Governor of Kaduna State, Nasir El-Rufai, to the SDP, describing it as a moment of renewed hope for Nigeria.
Taking to his X handle also on Monday, Adebayo penned a welcome message, declaring El-Rufai’s entry as a vital addition to the SDP’s mission to rescue Nigeria from years of poor governance and underdevelopment.
“On behalf of the teeming members of the @TheSDPNg and patriotic democrats who believe in Nigeria, and her promise of inevitable greatness, I heartily welcome my dear brother @elrufai to our party.
“With the hardworking, and sagacious Mallam joining our ranks, an avid worker for the people has been enlisted in our forces against poverty and insecurity,” Adebayo wrote.
The SDP flag bearer emphasised the urgent need to fulfill Chapter 2 of the 1999 constitution, by addressing issues of fundamental human rights, social justice, and economic development.
He called on all genuine democrats, and nationalists to join the party’s mission to restore hope, stating “good politics begets good governance. Let no one sit on the fence any further.
“There is no time to waste. Join us on the March again! God bless Nigeria.”
El-Rufai brings a wealth of experience from his tenure as the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), and as governor of Kaduna State.
Political analysts are already speculating that El-Rufai’s move, could ignite a wave of defections to the SDP as disillusionment grows with both the All Progressives Congress (APC), and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Read also: I join SDP to form formidable opposition ahead of 2027 Elections – El-Rufai
The SDP, known for its progressive ideals, and focus on ethical governance, now has a heavyweight in its arsenal to challenge the status quo in Nigeria’s political sphere.
Adebayo’s post also took a swipe at the ruling APC, and its opposition counterpart, the PDP, labeling their years in governance as “the locust years.”
He reiterated the SDP’s commitment to clean, and practice ethical politics as a foundation for national revival.
With this strategic alignment, the SDP is positioning itself, as a viable alternative for Nigerians yearning for change.
As the countdown to 2027 begins, the SDP’s “Hope Again” campaign may well capture the imagination of a country seeking a fresh start.