The National Chairman of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) Shehu Gabam, convened a high-profile strategic meeting at the party’s headquarters on Tuesday.
The meeting brought together notable political figures, including the former Governor of Kaduna State, Mallam Nasir el-Rufai and Hamza Al-Mustapha, a former aide to the late military leader, General Sani Abacha.
Also present at the meeting was Segun Showunmi, a former spokesperson for the Atiku Abubakar campaign organization, who described the gathering as a move to “strategize ahead of the 2027 elections.”
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Showunmi shared details of the meeting in a Facebook post, saying:
“Ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 elections, a key meeting was held by His Excellency Shehu Gabam, Chairman of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), with political figures including former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, Major Hamza Al-Mustapha, and Segun Showunmi, known as ‘The Alternative.’ The meeting aimed to review the current state of opposition politics and find ways to strengthen it for the upcoming elections.”
In a separate post on X (formerly Twitter), Showunmi added further context, titling it, “You must set forth at dawn.”
“A strategic meeting called by HE Shehu Gabam, Chairman of SDP, with HE @elrufai El-Rufai, Major Hamza Al-Mustapha, and Otunba Segun Showunmi. ‘The Alternative’ to meet and greet and review the state of opposition democratic engagement in Nigeria.”
Sources close to the SDP suggest the meeting was part of a broader effort to unite opposition parties and redefine the role of democratic engagement in Nigeria.
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With the 2027 general elections on the horizon, the party aims to position itself as a formidable force in the political landscape.
Political analysts believe the inclusion of figures like Nasir el-Rufai, a seasoned politician with a reputation for reformist policies, and Hamza Al-Mustapha, whose controversial history remains a point of interest, signals the SDP’s intention to appeal to a diverse spectrum of voters.
The meeting reflects growing activity among opposition parties seeking to recalibrate strategies in the wake of the 2023 elections.
While no official statement was released by the SDP, the presence of key political players has fueled speculation about possible alliances and a renewed push for a stronger opposition bloc.