The political landscape in Nigeria is heating up as the 2027 elections loom, and a bombshell claim by an All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain has added fuel to the fire. Joe Igbokwe, a prominent APC member, has declared that President Bola Tinubu “owns” the Social Democratic Party (SDP). This startling assertion comes just days after former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai defected from the APC to the SDP. Here’s what’s going on and why it matters.
The Claim: Tinubu ‘Owns’ the SDP
In a series of Facebook posts, Joe Igbokwe dropped a political bombshell: President Bola Tinubu is the true owner of the SDP. “If indeed SDP is still alive and kicking in Nigeria, then know the truth and have inner peace: PBAT (President Bola Ahmed Tinubu) is the owner. Ignore him to your own peril,” Igbokwe wrote.
He didn’t stop there. In another post, Igbokwe reminded his audience of Tinubu’s political history. “I remember our SDP of 1993 and the late Chief MKO Abiola. President Tinubu was a Senator under SDP in 1993. Go and investigate and verify. He is the owner of SDP.”
This claim has sent shockwaves through Nigeria’s political circles, especially as the SDP gains momentum following El-Rufai’s high-profile defection.
El-Rufai’s Defection: A Catalyst for Controversy
Nasir El-Rufai’s decision to leave the APC for the SDP on Monday was a major political move. In his resignation statement, El-Rufai criticized the APC’s leadership, accusing them of ignoring the party’s internal issues. “Developments in the last two years confirm that there is no desire on the part of those who currently control and run the APC to acknowledge, much less address, the unhealthy situation of the party,” he said.
El-Rufai’s defection has given the SDP a significant boost, but Igbokwe’s claim about Tinubu’s ownership of the party raises questions about the SDP’s independence and future direction.
What Does This Mean for 2027?
If Igbokwe’s claim holds any weight, it could have far-reaching implications for the 2027 presidential election. The SDP, which has historically been a platform for opposition politics, could become a strategic tool for Tinubu and the APC. This would complicate the plans of other opposition parties and politicians eyeing the presidency.
Igbokwe’s warning to those nursing presidential ambitions under the SDP—”Ignore him to your own peril”—suggests that Tinubu’s influence over the party could be a game-changer in the coming years.
The Historical Connection: Tinubu and the SDP
Igbokwe’s reference to Tinubu’s tenure as a Senator under the SDP in 1993 adds a layer of historical context to his claim. The SDP was a major political force in the early 1990s, and Tinubu’s involvement in the party during that era is well-documented. If Tinubu indeed has deep-rooted ties to the SDP, it could explain why Igbokwe is so confident in his assertion.
Key Takeaways
- APC chieftain Joe Igbokwe claims President Bola Tinubu “owns” the Social Democratic Party (SDP).
- The claim comes after Nasir El-Rufai defected from the APC to the SDP, citing dissatisfaction with the ruling party.
- Igbokwe warned opposition politicians to “ignore Tinubu at your own peril,” suggesting the SDP could be a strategic tool for the APC.
- Tinubu’s historical ties to the SDP, including his role as a Senator in 1993, lend credibility to Igbokwe’s claim.
- The 2027 presidential election could be heavily influenced by these developments.
