Adebayo Reveals Peter Obi’s Potential Move to SDP Ahead of 2027 Elections

The former presidential candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Prince Adewole Adebayo, has dropped a major political hint that could reshape Nigeria‘s 2027 electoral landscape. According to Adebayo, talks are ongoing for the former Labour Party presidential candidate and ex-Governor of Anambra State, Peter Obi, to join the SDP, a move he believes will boost the party’s strength rather than hinder his own ambitions.

Adebayo made this disclosure during an interview with Daily Independent, where he also addressed concerns surrounding the rising influx of influential opposition figures into the SDP. Contrary to fears of internal conflict or political rivalry, the former presidential hopeful expressed confidence that the party’s democratic values and internal structures would remain intact.

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Speaking on the dynamics of political integration within his party, Adebayo emphasized that the decision to elect a presidential candidate lies solely with SDP members, not with big political names or former officeholders. He explained that every entrant into the party would be subject to the same democratic processes and party rules that have guided the SDP’s operations since inception.

“Getting the ticket depends on the SDP people. They know me. People are joining my party, and we are welcoming them,” he said. Adebayo, known for his reformist tone, added, “The only little issue we have with some of them is to change the culture of where they are coming from. If you have not been in an environment where there are rules or where rules are taken seriously, you need to get used to such an environment.”

He further criticized the practices in some other political camps, calling them “Boy Scouts, black market operations,” indicating a need for incoming members to adapt to the SDP’s principled governance model. Still, he assured that the party remains open to all who are willing to embrace its culture of transparency and discipline.

Adebayo disclosed that key figures such as former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, and even Peter Obi, are reportedly aligning with the SDP. However, he was cautious to clarify that no move is final until officially declared. “Supposedly, Peter Obi is joining, but until someone joins, we don’t know. His people are talking with us, and I welcome everyone.”

He was also quick to note that their entrance into the party must be under the same conditions as every other member—complete adherence to party rules and the integrity of the selection process.

A Transparent Path to 2027: Adebayo Optimistic About SDP’s Prospects

Looking ahead to the 2027 general elections, Adebayo expressed optimism that the Social Democratic Party could unseat the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) if it remains united and transparent. He suggested that a reformed opposition, if built on fairness and accountability, could win the public’s trust and offer a viable alternative to President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

“If they adopt our culture and don’t fear cheating or bribery to win, we can offer Nigerians a real alternative. We’ll defeat the APC, retire President Tinubu, and start taking care of Nigerians from day one,” Adebayo declared boldly.

The potential entry of high-profile political actors into the SDP could indeed signal a shift in Nigeria’s political balance. For years, Nigeria’s political terrain has been largely dominated by the APC and PDP, with smaller parties like the SDP often sidelined. However, should political figures such as Obi and Atiku align with the SDP and contribute to building a coalition rooted in internal democracy, the party might just redefine its electoral strength.

The development also hints at a deeper discontent with existing political establishments, as prominent politicians begin to explore platforms perceived to be cleaner and more issue-driven. Peter Obi’s alignment with the Labour Party in 2023 revitalized youth engagement in Nigerian politics, and a similar move to the SDP could rejuvenate interest in the party ahead of the next elections.

As it stands, while no formal confirmation has been made by Peter Obi or his camp regarding the SDP move, the discussions alone are already triggering nationwide political discourse. Observers are watching closely to see whether the SDP will emerge as the third force capable of altering Nigeria’s two-party dominance.