2027 Power Play: Atiku and Obi Reportedly Eyeing SDP as El-Rufai Leads Exodus from APC – Is Nigeria’s Political Landscape Shifting?

In a move that could redefine Nigeria’s political chessboard ahead of the 2027 general elections, whispers making rounds suggest some of the country’s biggest political heavyweights are considering jumping ship to the Social Democratic Party (SDP). Among those allegedly in talks? None other than former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and ex-presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), Peter Obi .

This revelation came straight from the horse’s mouth—or at least someone close to it. Adewole Adebayo, the SDP’s presidential flagbearer during the chaotic 2023 elections, dished out the scoop during an exclusive sit-down with Channels Television on Sunday, April 6, 2025. According to him, these political titans—alongside others—are eyeing the SDP as their next big move.

“See, people wey get vision dem dey come join us,” Adebayo said, speaking with his trademark confidence. “Even big names like Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, and even Nasir El-Rufai don sabi say SDP na the future. We dey welcome everybody.”

For context, El-Rufai had already made headlines earlier when he dramatically abandoned the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) for the SDP—a decision many saw as a bold but risky gamble. Now, with rumors swirling about Atiku and Obi joining the fold, one thing is clear: something serious might be brewing within the SDP ranks.

But Adebayo wasn’t just dropping bombshells; he also addressed concerns about how these high-profile additions might disrupt the party’s culture. In typical Nigerian fashion, he didn’t mince words.

“Look, if you wan’ come SDP, you must follow our rules,” he warned. “No backdoor nonsense, no ‘I go settle you’ business, no Boy Scout games. Na transparency we dey sell here. Remember wetin happened for our convention in 2022? No court cases, no drama, nothing. If una fit follow this style, then welcome to SDP!”

When pressed further about whether Peter Obi—a man beloved by Nigeria’s youth following his underdog run in 2023—is indeed coming aboard, Adebayo played coy but left little room for doubt.

“Eh, I no go say am fully confirm until e officially join. But Financial Secretary don tell me say they dey talk. So, soon-soon, we go know.”

And as if that wasn’t enough to stir the pot, Adebayo boldly declared that the SDP isn’t just aiming to participate in 2027—they’re planning to win. He confidently predicted that the party would send President Bola Tinubu packing back to Lagos—or wherever else he chooses to retire.

“If all these leaders wey wan’ join us stick to our way of doing things, if we produce one good candidate Nigerians can trust, we go defeat APC hands down. Make Tinubu enjoy life as ex-president. No problem!”

Why This Matters (Nigerian Perspective):

If true, this potential alliance between Atiku, Obi, and the SDP could signal a seismic shift in Nigeria’s political landscape. Imagine combining the financial muscle of Atiku, the grassroots appeal of Obi, and the ideological foundation of the SDP—all under one roof. For a nation weary of recycled politicians and broken promises, could this be the fresh start Nigerians crave? Or will egos and power struggles once again derail progress?

Only time will tell. But one thing is certain: the road to 2027 promises to be anything but boring!

Key Takeaways:

• The SDP is positioning itself as a unifying force amid growing dissatisfaction with the APC and PDP.
• Atiku and Obi’s rumored interest shows they may see the SDP as their best shot at relevance in 2027.
• Whether this coalition will hold together—and deliver results—remains the billion-naira question.

What do YOU think? Will the SDP rise to power, or is this just another case of political musical chairs?