Mobolaji Michael
NOTWITHSTANDING Monday defection of the former Kaduna State governor, Mallam Nasir el-Rufai, from the All Progressives Congress (APC) to the Social Democratic Party (SDP) and talks of a mega political party to battle the ruling APC in 2027, the Labour Party presidential standard-bearer in the 2023 election is not thinking of leaving his party, so say one of his aides.
The National Coordinator of the Obidients Movement Worldwide, Dr Tanko Yunusa, in a telephone interview with Eighteen-Eleven Media urged Nigerians to discountenance reports suggesting that the former Anambra State governor will in the coming days team up with Mallam el-Rufai and other prominent Nigerians in the SDP ahead of the the 2027 polls.
Reports, particularly on social media, suggest that discussions are already underway for the symbol of the Obidients Movement to defect to the SDP.
While the exact reasons for his planned departure remain unclear, political analysts speculate that internal party dynamics and strategic calculations for the 2027 elections may be influencing his decision.
However, Dr Yunusa says there is no iota of truth to the speculation. According to him, Mr Obi remains a bonafide member of the Labour Party. “If there is any reason for him to take such a major political decision, he will surely let Nigerians know. You will agree with me that he is one politician who constantly keeps his followers abreast via his social media platforms. So, if there is any such thing, you can expect to hear it directly from him.
“For now I can confirm to you that there is no such thing.”, Dr Yunusa stressed.
Eighteen-Eleven Media reports that with Mallam el-Rufai’s defection, there have been heightened speculations that a number of prominent politicians will equally dump their parties in favour of a mega party in conception.
Eighteen-Eleven Media