The National Chairman of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Alhaji Shehu Gabam, has ruled out any political alliance with former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and ex-Governor of Kaduna State, Nasir El-Rufai, ahead of the 2027 presidential election. Gabam emphasized that the SDP’s priority remains building its structures and offering Nigerians a credible alternative to the major political parties.
“There’s no alliance with anyone,” Gabam declared during an interview on Television Continental’s Politics Tonight on Sunday. “As the chairman of the party, I have not engaged in any discussions about alliances. Our focus is on reviewing our strategies from 2024 and building a dynamic, inclusive platform.”
Gabam clarified that while he maintains a personal relationship with El-Rufai, this connection is not political. “El-Rufai is a major force, but my relationship with him is personal, not political. Some people magnify his presence to create unnecessary controversy,” he said.
The SDP chairman also used the opportunity to criticize the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), citing their failures as reasons Nigerians need to demand accountability from the current administration. “The weaknesses of the PDP and APC are evident. Our responsibility in the SDP is to create a competitive and transparent platform where Nigerians feel empowered to aspire and thrive,” he stated.
Concerns Over Governance and Living Standards
Gabam expressed serious concerns about the state of governance under President Bola Tinubu’s administration. He highlighted skyrocketing living costs, food insecurity, and transportation challenges as key issues plaguing the country.
“The cost of living is unbearable for many, and some policies have exacerbated the struggles of ordinary citizens. Nigerians are paying more for electricity, food, and transportation, yet they are told the economy is improving. These contradictions are deeply concerning,” Gabam noted.
He also accused the government of relying too heavily on advisers who fail to reflect the reality of the people’s struggles. “Leaders must have their ears to the ground. Waiting for filtered reports from officials risks ignoring the real issues on the streets,” he warned.
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Allegations of Intimidation
Gabam revealed that his personal security details were recently withdrawn without explanation, an action he described as an example of political intimidation. “My security was withdrawn a month ago without any formal notice. It’s alarming that state instruments are used to intimidate those who offer constructive criticism,” he said.
Despite this, Gabam reaffirmed the SDP’s commitment to challenging the status quo through legitimate and lawful competition. “Our competition is legitimate and within the law. We are focused on winning by addressing the issues that matter most to Nigerians,” he said.
Call for Policy Reevaluation
The SDP leader urged the federal government to reassess policies that have further strained the lives of Nigerians, including the removal of fuel subsidies. “Subsidy removal and other reforms have left Nigerians struggling. The government needs to prioritize policies that directly improve the lives of the people,” Gabam said.
He called for transparency, accountability, and a focus on alleviating the burdens of ordinary Nigerians. “Nigerians deserve better governance, and the SDP is committed to providing the credible alternative they need,” he concluded.
Gabam’s comments highlight the SDP’s determination to position itself as a viable option in the nation’s political landscape ahead of the 2027 elections.