Former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, has endorsed the Social Democratic Party (SDP) as the most viable platform to lead the emerging opposition coalition ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 general elections.
Speaking during an interview on Arise TV on Monday, El-Rufai said the SDP carries historical weight and symbolic appeal that could unify opposition forces against the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
“I strongly believe that the SDP is the best platform for the coalition. It has a history, it has a legacy, it has sentimental value, and everything about it is almost perfect—the name, the logo, everything,” El-Rufai said.
Although now affiliated with the SDP, El-Rufai emphasized that no single party or individual would dictate the final decision. “It will be a collective decision,” he said. “I am part of the leadership, but I am not there representing SDP. I am there as an individual with some political weight, no matter how small, in my state or in the northwest.”
The former Minister of the Federal Capital Territory also revealed that coalition leaders have adopted a dual-track strategy to guard against interference and infiltration by the ruling party.
“Very early in our discussions, the leaders of the coalition took the decision that we’ll not only look for existing platforms and identify one that is suitable for all of us to go under one roof, but we’ll also explore the possibility of registering a brand-new party,” he said.
El-Rufai’s remarks come amid growing speculation about a realignment of political forces led by prominent figures including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi, and Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate Peter Obi. The coalition is reportedly considering multiple platforms, including the proposed All Democratic Alliance (ADA).
With the 2027 polls looming, El-Rufai’s declaration signals intensified efforts by opposition elements to consolidate under a unified structure capable of challenging the APC at the federal level.
