The Social Democratic Party (SDP) has made it clear that leadership positions within the party will not be given to recent defectors without due process. The party insists that leadership roles must be earned through established procedures, not simply granted based on recent affiliations.
This statement follows reports of some new members, particularly high-profile politicians, pushing for key leadership positions in both state and national structures ahead of the 2027 elections. Among these defectors is former Kaduna State Governor, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, who joined the SDP after leaving the All Progressives Congress (APC), citing the latter’s failure to uphold its progressive principles.
Other notable defectors include former senators and high-ranking officials from Kaduna State and other regions, further adding to the wave of political shifts. However, the SDP has resisted the pressure to rapidly accommodate these new members into leadership roles, emphasizing that such changes will occur only when the time is right, and in accordance with the party’s constitution.
Party officials, such as National Secretary Dr. Olu Agunloye and National Vice Chairman Abubakar Dogara, have stressed that leadership changes are not on the immediate agenda. They have assured both new and existing members that leadership positions will be addressed during the party’s next scheduled congress, which will take place in 2026 after the current executives’ terms end.
The SDP remains committed to building a broad political base ahead of the 2027 elections, while carefully managing its internal structures to avoid destabilization. Despite internal challenges, the party remains open to new members and their contributions, but insists on maintaining a stable, democratic leadership process.
