Speculations Rife of Atiku, Obi Joining SDP for 2027 Presidential Contest

The Nigerian political landscape is abuzz with speculation following revelations that former Vice President Atiku Abubakar of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, are reportedly in discussions to join the Social Democratic Party (SDP) ahead of the 2027 general elections.

This bombshell was dropped by Adewole Adebayo, the SDP’s 2023 presidential candidate, during an interview on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics on April 6, 2025.

According to Adebayo, representatives of both Atiku and Obi have been engaging with the SDP, hinting at a possible defection that could significantly alter the country’s political dynamics. This development is seen as part of a broader trend of prominent politicians migrating to the SDP, with former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai being a recent high-profile defector to the party.

While neither Atiku nor Obi has officially confirmed these talks or announced any intention to leave their current parties, the rumors have sparked intense speculation about the potential implications of such a move.

Both leaders have previously denied rumors of abandoning their respective parties, despite ongoing chatter about opposition coalitions forming to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2027.

The SDP, under its current leadership, appears to be positioning itself as a viable alternative platform for disgruntled politicians and voters seeking change. Adebayo’s openness to welcoming Atiku and Obi, as well as other high-profile figures, suggests that the party is eager to capitalize on the current discontent with the major parties and establish itself as a force to be reckoned with in Nigerian politics.

However, Adebayo also acknowledged the challenges of aligning the political cultures of these prominent figures with the SDP’s structure and ideology.

The party’s ability to accommodate and integrate these new members, if they were to defect, would be crucial in determining its success in the upcoming elections.

Atiku Abubakar, a veteran politician with a long history in the PDP, has been a major player in Nigerian politics for decades. His potential defection to the SDP would be a significant blow to the PDP, which has been struggling to regain its footing after a series of electoral setbacks.

On the other hand, Peter Obi’s Labour Party has been gaining momentum, particularly among young voters, and his departure could deal a significant blow to the party’s chances in 2027.

The APC, which has been the ruling party since 2015, is likely to be watching these developments with keen interest. The party has been facing internal conflicts and external pressures, and the potential defection of prominent opposition figures to the SDP could further complicate its chances of retaining power in 2027.

For now, these reports remain speculative, and it is unclear whether Atiku and Obi will ultimately decide to join the SDP.

However, one thing is certain: the Nigerian political landscape is about to get a lot more interesting, and the 2027 elections are shaping up to be one of the most unpredictable and exciting in recent history.

As the situation continues to unfold, Nigerians will be watching with bated breath to see how these developments play out. Will Atiku and Obi ultimately defect to the SDP, or will they remain loyal to their current parties? How will the PDP and Labour Party respond to these rumors, and what implications will this have for the APC’s chances in 2027? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: the next few months will be crucial in shaping the future of Nigerian politics.