A factional group within the Social Democratic Party (SDP) led by Wole Adesina has issued a stern warning against what it describes as disturbing developments threatening the party's integrity and unity ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In a statement released on Monday, the faction's National Publicity Secretary, Alfa Mohammed, condemned the influx of aggrieved politicians forming coalitions aimed at unseating President Bola Tinubu without presenting clear alternative visions for Nigeria's future.
"The influx of some aggrieved politicians in a desperate coalition to 'send President Bola Ahmed Tinubu back to Lagos' without showcasing any clear-cut alternative agenda for Nigeria's transformation is disturbing," Mohammed stated.
The faction emphasized that the SDP "is not for sale or lease to any group" and declared it would not participate in any anti-government plots or coalitions lacking clear transformational agendas for Nigeria.
While distancing itself from coalitions allegedly seeking to derail the current administration and undermine the mandate given by Nigerian voters in the 2023 elections, the faction pledged to maintain constructive engagement with the federal government while holding it accountable.
The Adesina-led faction also condemned what it described as illegal replacement of constitutionally recognized state executives of the SDP by coalition groups working with a rival faction of the party.
"We call on SDP leaders at all levels to resist any attempt to usurp their leadership and report such actions to the appropriate authorities, while leaving the party's doors open for genuinely intentioned new members," Mohammed added.
The faction likened the current situation to a similar crisis in 2019 when defectors from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), led by Prof. Jerry Gana, attempted to take control of the party's leadership.
Party members and supporters were urged to remain calm as efforts to reclaim full recognition from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) are ongoing.
