President Bola Tinubu is currently observing the breaking of the fast (Iftar) at the Presidential Villa in Abuja. He is joined by Rivers State Governor Sim Fubara, his estranged godfather and Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, alongside other governors, ministers, and heads of ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs).

More details to follow shortly.

Recent reports indicate that Rauf Aregbesola, the former Governor of Osun State, and Kayode Fayemi, the former Governor of Ekiti State, are currently in negotiations to join the Social Democratic Party (SDP). Additionally, sources reveal that former Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, along with former Nasarawa State Governor, Abdullahi Adamu, discontented members of the All Progressives Congress (APC), and several ex-Ministers from President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration are also considering a move to the SDP.

This development occurs amid ongoing discussions regarding a coalition among opposition parties, aimed at presenting a united front to challenge President Bola Tinubu and the APC in the upcoming 2027 elections.

According to insider information, the coalition will likely include Atiku Abubakar’s faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Peter Obi’s faction of the Labour Party (LP), and Nasir El-Rufai, who has recently defected to the SDP.

The opposition parties are reportedly strategising to unite under an existing registered party. However, should they fail to reach a consensus on a common platform within the party they wish to join, they may opt to align with the SDP instead, as per sources cited by our correspondent.

It is noteworthy that Kola Ologbondiyan, the former National Publicity Secretary of the PDP, has suggested that talks of a merger among opposition politicians are gaining momentum. During a recent appearance on the AIT Focus programme, Ologbondiyan expressed optimism that the opposition would present initiatives that could inspire hope among Nigerians.

The former PDP spokesperson asserted that defeating the current government would be achievable, given the proposals that opposition leaders are preparing to unveil.

By Abubakar Yunusa

The leader of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) and its presidential candidate in the 2023 elections, Prince Adewole Adebayo, has welcome the former Kaduna State Governor, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, to the party.

Former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, has officially joined the Social Democratic Party (SDP), on Monday morning in what is being seen as a strategic realignment ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 general elections.

His defection was confirmed on Monday, with SDP leader and 2023 presidential candidate, Prince Adewole Adebayo, welcoming him into the party.

Adebayo described El-Rufai’s entry as a significant boost to the SDP’s vision, calling it a “moment of renewed hope for Nigeria.”

He also praised the former governor’s leadership and work ethic, noting that his presence would strengthen the party’s push for reforms.

“With the hardworking and sagacious Mallam joining our ranks, an avid worker for the people has been enlisted in our forces against poverty and insecurity,” Adebayo wrote on X, formerly Twitter.

El-Rufai’s defection from the All Progressives Congress (APC) follows his growing discontent with the ruling party’s direction.

The former governor cited a misalignment between his values and the APC’s current trajectory as a key factor in his decision.

Adebayo also used the occasion to call on other like-minded politicians and citizens to rally behind the SDP’s mission of addressing governance failures in Nigeria.

“There is no time to waste. Join us on the march again! God bless Nigeria,” he urged.

El-Rufai, who previously served as Minister of the Federal Capital Territory and two-term Governor of Kaduna State, brings extensive political and administrative experience to his new party.

His move is expected to shape political dynamics ahead of the next election cycle.