File photo of Buba Galadima

A chieftain of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), Buba Galadima, has described the Social Democratic Party (SDP) as an extension of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), questioning the party’s independence.

Speaking on The Morning Show on Arise Television on Tuesday, Galadima claimed that the SDP is largely composed of former APC members, making it more of a faction than a true opposition party.

“The SDP is a branch of the APC. It was those APC people that moved to what you now call SDP. How many people from other parties have moved to the SDP? That is the question the people or the media should ask. It is not out of place. You are in Lagos, this is the character of Lagos; to decimate opposition,” he said.

El-Rufai’s Defection and 2027 Politics

Galadima’s remarks come in the wake of the recent defection of former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, from the APC to the SDP.

El-Rufai has been reportedly mobilizing politicians to join the party, raising speculation that he intends to challenge President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 elections.

Criticism of Politicians Returning to APC

The NNPP chieftain also criticized opposition politicians who rejoined the APC after contesting elections, citing the example of former Lagos PDP governorship candidate, Abdul-Azeez Adediran (Jandor), who returned to the ruling party on Monday.

“Look at what Jandor has done. Look at the support the people of Lagos have given Jandor. In fact, I will say that he won the election. It was taken away from him.

“But look at him, he just backpedalled and went back to the APC. How are we going to do opposition? We should do opposition of principles. Even if you’re alone, you should stand on your own principles,” Galadima stated.

NNPP Stands on Ideology, Rejects Coalition Politics

Galadima reiterated that the NNPP is not interested in forming opportunistic coalitions just to gain power.

“We are a party of ideology. We are a party of principle. We don’t just go into a coalition for the sake of it because we want power at all costs.

“We are content with the platform we have. One day, we can grow this party and win the national election.”

His remarks highlight the ongoing political realignments in Nigeria’s opposition landscape, as parties prepare for the 2027 general elections.