Letters to Nigerians: Social Democratic Party – Look Before You Leap

Letters to Nigerians: Social Democratic Party – Look Before You Leap

By Bolaji O. Akinyemi

I have great respect for ideological thinkers, and recently, two of them reached out—one indirectly and the other directly. Martin White-Uffah announced on Facebook that he was joining the Social Democratic Party (SDP) with the hope of effecting change in 2027. Meanwhile, Edward Nnachi, a Punch newspaper correspondent in the Southeast, responded to my message on WhatsApp by asking: El-Rufai has joined the SDP. Apostle, where are we pitching our tent ahead of 2027?

The political tide is shifting, and while time waits for no one, Nigerians seem to be lagging behind. Leading up to the 2023 elections, I foresaw these shifts and warned Nigerians, but few paid attention. I wrote an article titled “Social Democratic Party: An Old Horse Saddled for a New Race”, published by multiple media outlets on March 17, 2022. It’s been exactly three years since then, and what the masses failed to do then, the elites are now doing for their own interests.

Nigerians are not as politically savvy as the ruling elite and their foot soldiers. The annulment of the June 12, 1993, presidential election remains one of the most defining moments in Nigeria’s political history. Whenever it is mentioned, Nigerians recall Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola, its presumed winner, and Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida, the self-proclaimed Military President who annulled what was regarded as Nigeria’s freest and fairest election.

Yet, we often overlook Professor Humphrey Nwosu, the man who conducted that election. Had he been Fulani, the INEC headquarters might have been named after him. Had he been Yoruba, a university of statistics might bear his name. But he is Igbo—one of Nigeria’s “unfortunate tribes.” Worse still are the Hausa, who, despite their vast numbers, have been politically subdued by the Fulani through religious manipulation. The Ijaw, declared a minority in Rivers State under former Governor Nyesom Wike, may also need to learn the art of political maneuvering.

Babangida’s Book Launch and the Reawakening of SDP

On February 25, 2025, Babangida launched his book “My Journey in Service.” Political heavyweights—including President Bola Ahmed Tinubu (APC), Atiku Abubakar (PDP), Peter Obi (Labour Party), and Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso (NNPP)—were present. Omoyele Sowore, an established anti-establishment figure, was predictably absent. However, Nasir El-Rufai, a key player in Northern politics, was also missing—perhaps strategically positioned for his new role in the SDP.

Notably, Adewole Adebayo, SDP’s 2023 presidential candidate, was also absent. Adebayo stands out as a thoughtful, diplomatic figure compared to the more radical Sowore. If SDP was once the ground where hope was planted under Abiola, then Sowore, for his activism, should be the seed. But Adebayo, with his refined policy vision, is perhaps the true heir to Abiola’s ideological legacy. His economic policies align with liberal market principles, much like Sowore’s.

However, El-Rufai’s defection to SDP raises concerns. Adebayo welcomed him, calling it “a time for good politics.” But good politics is the game of good men, not tribal jingoists. Has Adebayo studied El-Rufai’s past speeches in Hausa? Does he know the role El-Rufai played before and after the 2023 governorship elections?

The Three Northern Political Strategists

There are three notable figures in Northern politics who influence the nation’s direction—often to the detriment of the people.

1. Buba Galadima – A former ally of Buhari who later became Atiku’s spokesperson in 2019, he has a history of shifting loyalties. His criticisms of Buhari once made him appear as a hero, but he remains a political salesman.

2. Usman Bugaje – Known for his blunt critiques of the establishment, he was among the first to hint at the SDP becoming a refuge for displaced politicians.

3. Nasir El-Rufai – A master political strategist who once advocated for retiring political godfathers but later assisted Tinubu in securing power in 2023.

These men are now positioning themselves within the SDP. Will the party become a true alternative or just another vehicle for Nigeria’s recycled elites?

The Real Problem: A Broken System

Nigeria’s presidential system remains dangerously centralized. The President appoints all federal university vice-chancellors—an example of the over-concentration of power. Even if we had a ticket featuring Jesus Christ and Prophet Muhammad, they would fail under our current system.

Without constitutional reforms, any leader we elect in 2027 will struggle. The same cash-and-carry system that elevated today’s leaders will continue to select our rulers.

Adewole Adebayo recently posted on X (formerly Twitter):

“Now is the time for us to put our collective shoulders behind the efforts to fulfill Chapter 2 of the Constitution and rescue Nigerians from bad governance and underdevelopment, to restore #HopeAgain2027 to the suffering masses callously left behind in the locust years of the APC and its co-travelers in the PDP.”

This statement raises critical questions:

If Adebayo sees APC and PDP as two sides of the same coin, how does SDP—now attracting defectors from these same parties—plan to be different?

Can a party that welcomes political investors like El-Rufai truly offer hope?

When will SDP’s old members interrogate El-Rufai’s past, including his payments to Fulani herdsmen and the rise in violence in Southern Kaduna during his tenure?

El-Rufai’s quick demand for Olu Agunloye’s resignation over corruption should make us pause. When will El-Rufai himself answer for his own past actions? How much did he pay for peace in Kaduna, and how many people were still killed under his administration?

The Way Forward: Constitutional Reforms, Not Just Elections

If we truly want change, we must push for constitutional and electoral reforms. A revolution, whether legislative or full-blown, is necessary. Without it, 2027 will simply replace one set of looters with another.

Sowore often says, “Things cannot continue like this.” If Nigerians cannot organize a full revolution, we must at least unite to pressure the National Assembly into a legislative revolution. We need:

1. Electoral reforms to end vote-buying and rigging.

2. Decentralization of power to prevent over-centralized control by the executive.

3. New political platforms genuinely funded by Nigerians, not recycled elites.

If we fail to take these steps, the same politicians who ruined PDP, then jumped to APC, will now take over SDP—only to continue their cycle of plunder.

Nigerians must wake up. We must look before we leap.

Dr Bolaji O. Akinyemi, is absolutely a commendable brand in Apostolic and Nation Building efforts towards a changed nation and a renewed and revived church, within the Nigeria Church and political ecosystem.

The Bold, Inspiring and Dynamic Dr Bolaji O. Akinyemi is a man worthy of all encouragement to see him do more for the salvation of humanity and liberation of Africa and the black race.

The pen of this exceptional Scribe should not lack ink.

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