📍 Essential News

As Nigeria’s 2027 presidential race gains momentum, political realignments are intensifying, with the Social Democratic Party (SDP) emerging as a key player in the opposition’s battle for power.

In a recent interview on Inside Sources with Laolu Akande, SDP National Secretary Olu Agunsoye revealed that loyalists of Peter Obi—the former Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate—are lobbying the party on his behalf, setting the stage for a possible defection.

According to Agunsoye, the party is currently being courted by eight presidential aspirants, with seven actively seeking the SDP ticket.

💬 “We have eight presidential aspirants; it could be 10. Seven of them are on our platform,” he stated, emphasizing that the SDP cannot afford to lose these political heavyweights to rival parties.

Obi’s Allies Making Moves

Despite not officially declaring his intent to leave Labour Party, Obi’s associates have reportedly approached the SDP, testing the waters for his possible switch.

💬 “Obi’s people came to us asking if we would accept him should he join. Of course, we said ‘yes.’ But he must officially join the SDP—we can’t open our doors to him while he remains in LP,” Agunsoye disclosed.

The revelation adds fuel to ongoing speculation about a mega opposition coalition, particularly after a landmark meeting on March 20, 2025, where opposition heavyweights—including Atiku Abubakar, Obi, and Nasiru El-Rufai—discussed strategies to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2027.

Essential News Political Desk: The Road to 2027

With political alliances shifting rapidly, SDP's rising prominence and the potential defection of key figures could redefine the opposition landscape ahead of the next election cycle.

Stay tuned to Essential News for the latest developments on Nigeria’s political power play.