SDP rejects Anti-Tinubu coalition, warns against attempt to hijack party structure

The National Executive Committee of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), led by Chief (Engr.) Wole Adesina, has firmly distanced itself from any political coalition plotting to remove President Bola Ahmed Tinubu from office.

The party described such moves as acts of desperation lacking in genuine national vision.

In a statement released by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Alfa Mohammed, the SDP expressed concern over what it called an influx of discontented politicians, uniting solely to push President Tinubu “back to Lagos” without presenting any practical or transformative plan for Nigeria.

The party also condemned the alleged illegal replacement of its duly elected executives in several states, accusing a coalition group of working in partnership with a faction of the party to tamper with its leadership.

Referencing past incidents, the statement recalled a similar episode in 2019 when the defection of some former PDP members, including Prof. Jerry Gana, led to internal crisis within the SDP. That situation, it said, caused the abrupt resignation of the then National Chairman, Oba Olu Falae, throwing the party into a prolonged leadership tussle, which remains unresolved in court.

The current leadership under Adesina maintained that it remains the legitimate successor to the Falae administration, while describing the Shehu Gabam-led faction as one relying on a controversial INEC recognition that has been under legal contest since 2019.

Making its position clear, the SDP declared it would not be used as a political tool by any group. “The SDP National Executive Committee unequivocally states that the party is not for sale or lease to any group,” the statement read. “We will not participate in any anti-government plots or coalition without a clear, progressive alternative agenda for Nigeria.”

The party added that while it remains committed to holding the government accountable through constructive dialogue, it would not align with groups driven by personal ambition or schemes intended to destabilize the country.

It also urged its members and supporters to reject any attempts to hijack the party’s leadership at any level and report such moves to the relevant authorities. The statement concluded by calling for calm among its faithful while efforts continue to reclaim full INEC recognition for the authentic National Executive Committee elected by party members.