Nasiru El-Rufai, a prominent opposition leader in Nigeria, has strongly advocated for the Social Democratic Party (SDP) as the best platform for a coalition of opposition parties.
Hikaya Newspaper reports that According to El-Rufai, the SDP’s history, legacy, and sentimental value make it an ideal choice. He believes that the party’s name and logo are almost perfect, and he is lobbying his colleagues to consider the SDP as the platform for their coalition.
El-Rufai stated that Nigerians are tired of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and that a credible alternative is needed. He cited a poll that showed a 91% disapproval rating for the current administration, the worst in Nigerian history. However, El-Rufai emphasized that Nigerians are looking for a credible option, and the SDP could be that platform.
The opposition leader clarified that a coalition is not a merger, but rather a coming together of individuals under one platform. He noted that the main battle begins once a platform is chosen, and the coalition’s leaders have decided to explore both existing platforms and the possibility of registering a new party. El-Rufai expressed encouragement by the leadership’s attitude, as nobody is pushing personal aspirations.
El-Rufai’s comments suggest that the coalition is taking a strategic approach, exploring multiple options before making a decision. By considering the SDP and potentially other platforms, the coalition aims to find the best vehicle for their efforts to challenge the ruling APC. The development highlights the ongoing efforts by opposition leaders to find a united front against the ruling party.