The Social Democratic Party (SDP) has been embroiled in a fresh crisis. Chairmen of the party in various states have issued warnings. They warned Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, and new members against hijacking the party’s structure.
The Forum of Social Democratic Party Chairmen on Thursday warned former Kaduna Governor, Nasir El-Rufai. They also cautioned new and prospective members to abide by the party’s constitution. They must desist from seeking to change the party leadership or its existing structure.
Lagos SDP chairman, Femi Olaniyi, stated this at a press conference in Abuja on Thursday, with 25 members in attendance.
The state leaders also gave a vote of confidence to the National Chairman of the SDP, Shehu Gabam. They did the same for the National Secretary, Dr Olu Agunloye. They extended the same to all the members of the party’s National Working Committee. The leaders stated that they have not failed in their respective duties.
Ireport247new online reports that a gale of defection by politicians has occurred. Politicians from the All Progressives Congress have defected. Politicians from the Peoples Democratic Party have defected. Politicians from the Labour Party and Peoples Redemption Party have also defected in the last two months.
The warning comes on the heels of El-Rufai’s recent defection to the SDP, along with other prominent politicians. The development has sparked concerns among party loyalists. They fear that the new entrants may attempt to hijack the party’s structure. Additionally, there are worries that these entrants may impose their own leadership.
The SDP chairmen reiterated that the party’s structure is well-established. The leadership will not be compromised by the influx of new members. They emphasized that the party’s national working committee is the highest decision-making body. This committee is led by the national chairman. Its decisions are binding on all members.
El-Rufai’s move to the SDP is significant. He is influential and has a strong reputation as a seasoned politician. However, his entry into the party has also raised concerns among party loyalists. They fear that he may attempt to impose his own leadership. He might also push his agenda on the party.
Other notable figures who have defected alongside El-Rufai include entertainer Obinna Simon, aka MC Tagwaye. He is a former member of the APC Presidential Campaign Council. Additionally, several ex-governorship candidates from the PRP have joined. Emiyare Etete is from Rivers. Chris Agu comes from Enugu. Anthony Umeh is from Anambra. Abdulkareem Mustapha hails from Kwara.
The warning by the SDP chairmen to El-Rufai and the new members is clear. It shows that the party will not tolerate any attempt to hijack its structure. The party also will not accept any attempt to dominate its leadership. As the party prepares for future elections, its leadership and structure must remain intact. This ensures that the party’s ideals and principles are upheld.