Less than 48 hours after former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai officially joined the Social Democratic Party (SDP), his supporters have begun advocating for changes within the party’s National Working Committee (NWC), particularly demanding the removal of National Secretary Olu Agunloye.
The pro-El-Rufai faction argues that Agunloye’s ongoing trial by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) could be exploited by the Federal Government to weaken the party’s credibility.
Addressing speculations, SDP’s National Legal Adviser, Aderemi Abimbola, clarified to The Guardian that, despite rumours of a mass defection, only El-Rufai has formally joined the party, though discussions with other political figures are ongoing.
He noted that since the beginning of the year, the SDP has seen an influx of new members from northern states, including former All Progressives Congress (APC) supporters from Gombe.
He recounted an incident where Gombe’s governor, frustrated by the defections, allegedly became so enraged upon seeing some defectors on a flight that he nearly resorted to physical aggression.
Abimbola described El-Rufai’s entry as a significant advantage for the SDP, emphasizing his strong political influence, especially in the North.
“Even before he joined officially, his supporters were already aligning with us. His presence will undoubtedly strengthen the party,” he stated.
Regarding demands for restructuring the NWC, Abimbola dismissed the idea, asserting that no positions were vacant.
“No one joins SDP expecting an automatic ticket. Every candidate must go through the primaries. Defectors must understand they are first and foremost members,” he stressed.
On speculations that former Sokoto State Governor Attahiru Bafarawa might also join the SDP, Abimbola maintained that nothing was confirmed until Bafarawa made an official declaration.
He also refuted claims that President Bola Tinubu holds influence over the SDP, stating, “If that were true, I wouldn’t be here working under these difficult conditions.”
Meanwhile, at the party’s headquarters, supporters of El-Rufai staged a protest, holding placards demanding Agunloye’s removal.
They accused him of mismanaging the party and insisted that he should clear his name over corruption allegations before continuing in office.