The Forum of Social Democratic Party (SDP) Chairmen has issued a firm warning to former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, and other high-profile defectors, urging them to respect the party’s constitution and existing leadership.
Speaking at a press conference in Abuja on Thursday, Lagos SDP Chairman Femi Olaniyi, alongside 25 state chairmen, said the party welcomes new members but will not tolerate any attempts to alter its structure or leadership.
“We warmly welcome new members from across political divides,” Olaniyi stated. “But our constitution, logo, and leadership must not be tampered with. Elected officials must be allowed to serve out their terms.”
The state leaders also passed a vote of confidence in the party’s National Chairman, Shehu Gabam, and National Secretary, Dr. Olu Agunloye, affirming their leadership remains solid.
This statement follows a wave of defections to the SDP from the APC, PDP, Labour Party, and PRP, including El-Rufai, entertainer MC Tagwaye, and several former governorship candidates.
Olaniyi emphasized that all new entrants must register through the proper channels, beginning at the ward level, and warned against any “kangaroo registration” attempts by political actors from other parties.
“We are not afraid of anyone hijacking the party,” he added. “What we oppose are backdoor tactics to create chaos or bypass due process.”
Plateau SDP Chairman Abubakar Dogara echoed the position, reminding newcomers that party registration must begin at their electoral wards in accordance with the party’s constitution.
Efforts to reach El-Rufai or his spokesperson for a response were unsuccessful as of press time.
