The Social Democratic Party (SDP) is increasingly becoming a magnet for displaced politicians in Nigeria, especially those with aspirations for the 2027 general elections.
With the recent defection of former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, from the All Progressives Congress (APC) to the SDP, the political landscape is shifting rapidly — and Imo State may be next in line to feel the tremors.
There are strong indications that prominent politicians in Imo State, particularly those sidelined in the APC and PDP, may soon find a new political home in the SDP. Among the names being mentioned are former Minister of State for Education, Emeka Nwajiuba; ex-Governor, Emeka Ihedioha, Mazi Chima Amadi and others.
Ihedioha, a one-time Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives and former governor, has been politically adrift since his departure from the PDP. Despite speculations, he is yet to officially pitch his tent with any party.
His recent birthday celebration in Abuja, attended by a roll call of opposition heavyweights including Peter Obi, has only fueled further speculation that he may be preparing to launch a comeback — potentially under the SDP banner.
The growing interest in the SDP is not limited to Imo State. The party’s former presidential candidate, Prince Adewole Adebayo, recently revealed that talks are ongoing with major political players including former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar and Labour Party’s, Peter Obi.
Speaking on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics, Adebayo said “All these people you have mentioned — El-Rufai, Atiku Abubakar, and even former Governor Peter Obi — are coming. A lot of people are coming, and we will welcome them.”
He added that the SDP would welcome new entrants, provided they adapt to the party’s disciplined culture.
“The only little issue we have with some of them is changing the culture, especially if they have not been in an environment where rules are taken seriously… However, we welcome them into the party.” he said.
According to him, the SDP is building a broad coalition that could pose a serious threat to the ruling APC.
He continued “If they can stick to our culture and follow the way we do things in the SDP, and produce a good alternative for Nigerians, we are going to manifestly defeat the APC and retire President Tinubu to Lagos or wherever he chooses in Nigeria.”
With Atiku and Obi reportedly exploring the option of defecting to the SDP, political observers say it’s only a matter of time before their loyalists — including several high-profile figures in Imo State — follow suit. Their defection could open a strategic path for politicians like Ihedioha and Amadi, who are nursing governorship ambitions ahead of 2027, to realign politically under a more viable platform.
