The Social Democratic Party (SDP) has made it clear that it is not open to merging with any other political party. This announcement was made by the party’s National Secretary, Olu Agunloye, who emphasized that the SDP would resist any hostile takeover attempts by new members.
Agunloye stressed that while the party welcomes new members from other parties, including the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), these individuals must adhere to the SDP’s rules and constitution. He noted that the APC and PDP have failed Nigerians since 1999, leading to widespread injustice, corruption, and poverty.
According to Agunloye, the SDP is inspired by a vision for a better Nigeria, stimulated by a genuine desire to serve, and relies on ideology. He urged all SDP leaders and state chairmen to reach out to people desirous of good governance to join the party’s crusade for sustainable development.
The SDP’s National Secretary also warned that the party would cautiously avoid the pitfalls that led to the failure of past alliances. To achieve this, the party would strengthen its institutions by enhancing membership registration processes, constitutional structures, and party organs.
In another development, the Kaduna State Chapter of the SDP has disowned former governor Nasir El-Rufai, stating that he is not a recognized member of the party in Kaduna State. The party claimed that El-Rufai did not follow the correct process to become a member.
El-Rufai had recently dumped the APC for the SDP, citing a growing misalignment between his values and the current direction of the APC. However, the SDP’s Assistant National Secretary, Northwest zone, Idris Inuwa, emphasized that El-Rufai’s entry into the party remained a rumor as he had yet to follow due process.
Inuwa advised El-Rufai and his cohorts to follow proper procedures if they wished to officially become members of the party. He also rejected the purported dissolution of the Kaduna State Working Committee of the SDP, stating that it was unconstitutional and an affront to the principles of due process and internal democracy.
The Kaduna State Executive Committee of the SDP emphasized that it was the legitimate outcome of a duly conducted State Congress and held a four-year mandate that remained valid and binding. The committee added that the SDP constitution clearly outlined the process and procedure for dissolving a State Executive Committee.
Inuwa concluded by emphasizing that the Kaduna State SDP remained open and welcoming to all prospective members who adhered to the established procedures. The party urged individuals and groups interested in joining the SDP to follow the well-defined guidelines and constitutional provisions governing membership admission.
The SDP’s stance on mergers and its commitment to upholding its rules and constitution demonstrate the party’s determination to maintain its integrity and vision for a better Nigeria.