Social Democratic Party (SDP) National Chairman Shehu Gabam has strongly defended his recent meeting with former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, while delivering a scathing assessment of President Tinubu’s cabinet performance. Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today, Gabam challenged critics questioning the appropriateness of opposition party discussions with the prominent APC chieftain.
During the candid interview on Thursday, Gabam framed the meeting as part of SDP’s strategic review of Nigeria’s situation in 2024, emphasizing his party’s responsibility as an opposition force with elected representatives across various levels of government. He drew parallels to APC’s historical strategy that led to PDP’s defeat, suggesting similar coalition-building efforts could be emerging.
The SDP chairman appeared to question the administration’s treatment of figures like El-Rufai, asking pointedly, “Why the dust about Malam Nasir El-Rufai? They say he is not significant, he’s nothing. Why the worry about El-Rufai?” His rhetorical questions suggested deeper political undercurrents regarding El-Rufai’s current relationship with the ruling party.
In a particularly bold move, Gabam launched a direct critique of President Tinubu’s cabinet, stating that current ministers lack the capacity to effectively implement the president’s vision. He highlighted unprecedented economic hardship facing Nigerians, drawing a potent historical parallel by referencing former President Goodluck Jonathan’s early opposition challenges that ultimately led to his electoral defeat.
The meeting between Gabam and El-Rufai gains additional significance against the backdrop of current Nigerian political dynamics, where opposition parties are actively seeking to position themselves as viable alternatives to the ruling APC. Gabam’s defense of these discussions as normal political engagement suggests possible realignments within Nigeria’s political landscape.
The SDP chairman’s remarks about cabinet performance touch on growing public discourse regarding the effectiveness of President Tinubu’s administration in addressing Nigeria’s economic challenges. By linking current circumstances to historical patterns of presidential terms facing early opposition, Gabam appears to be signaling potential political vulnerabilities in the current administration.
His reference to including figures like El-Rufai and Segun Sowunmi in discussions frames these meetings as part of a broader strategy to “open the space of the party and reach out to a lot of people.” This approach suggests the SDP may be positioning itself as a gathering point for dissatisfied elements from both major parties.
The timing of these revelations, coming amid growing economic challenges and public discourse about government performance, adds weight to the political significance of these cross-party discussions. Gabam’s assertion that Nigeria has never faced such economic hardship serves both as criticism of the current administration and as justification for opposition parties seeking new alliances.
The SDP chairman’s comments also highlight the fluid nature of Nigerian political allegiances, where today’s opposition figures might become tomorrow’s allies. His defense of meeting with El-Rufai, despite the latter’s APC membership, suggests a pragmatic approach to political engagement that transcends party lines.
As Nigeria moves deeper into President Tinubu’s term, these political maneuvers and frank assessments from opposition leaders like Gabam may signal the beginning of new political alignments. The SDP’s willingness to engage with prominent figures from other parties, combined with direct criticism of government performance, suggests an increasingly dynamic political landscape as parties position themselves for future electoral contests.
