Factional SDP Warns Against Anti-Tinubu Coalition, Affirms Party’s Unity and Independence

A faction of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) led by Wole Adesina has raised alarm over what it described as two emerging threats to the integrity and unity of the party, warning against involvement in coalitions aimed at undermining President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

In a statement issued on Monday, the faction’s National Publicity Secretary, Alfa Mohammed, condemned the influx of aggrieved politicians forming what he called a desperate coalition to remove the president without presenting any clear-cut alternative vision for Nigeria’s future.

“The influx of some aggrieved politicians in a desperate coalition to ‘send President Bola Ahmed Tinubu back to Lagos’ without showcasing any clear-cut alternative agenda for Nigeria’s transformation is disturbing,” Mohammed said.

He emphasized that the SDP under Adesina’s leadership is neither for sale nor lease and will not lend its platform to any anti-government plot that lacks substantive policy direction.

“The party is not for sale or lease to any group and will not be part of any anti-government plots or coalition that lacks a clear alternative agenda for Nigeria’s transformation,” he added.

While distancing itself from any coalition allegedly working to derail the Tinubu administration, the faction pledged to continue constructive engagement with the federal government, ensuring it is held accountable while respecting the mandate of voters from the 2023 general elections.

The statement also urged SDP leaders nationwide to resist any attempts to usurp their leadership positions and to promptly report such incidents to appropriate authorities. Mohammed reassured party members that efforts were underway to reclaim full recognition from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

“We call on SDP leaders at all levels to resist any attempt to usurp their leadership and report such actions to the appropriate authorities, while leaving the party’s doors open for genuinely intentioned new members,” Mohammed noted.

The Adesina-led National Executive Committee (NEC) also rejected what it described as the illegal replacement of constitutionally recognized state executives, allegedly orchestrated by a rival faction in collaboration with the coalition group.

Drawing parallels with a similar episode in 2019, the faction recalled the attempted takeover of the SDP by defectors from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) led by Professor Jerry Gana. That crisis, it said, bears striking resemblance to the current situation and serves as a reminder of the need for internal vigilance.

The faction reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the party’s identity and structure, while calling for calm among members and supporters.