Why Peter Obi's Labour Party Faction Backed El-Rufai's Defection to SDP

The Chairperson of the Labour Party (LP) Caretaker Committee, Nenadi Usman, has expressed support for former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai's decision to join the Social Democratic Party (SDP).

Speaking at an event in Abuja on Tuesday, Usman joined the SDP leadership, led by Chairman Shehu Gabam, to welcome El-Rufai into the opposition fold. She described his defection as a positive step towards strengthening democracy in Nigeria.

Usman, whose committee was formed by LP's former presidential candidate Peter Obi, Abia State Governor Alex Otti, and other party leaders, emphasized the importance of a strong opposition to hold the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) accountable.

"Yesterday (Tuesday), I was invited by my colleague, the National Chairman of the SDP, Alhaji Shehu Gabam, to receive Mallam Nasir El-Rufai into the opposition fold at the SDP Secretariat in Abuja. Mallam's decision to align with the opposition underscores a growing recognition that a healthy democracy thrives when there is a robust and credible opposition to hold the government accountable.

"I firmly believe that individuals like Mallam El-Rufai, with his extensive experience in governance and public service, have a significant role to play in strengthening the opposition and advancing democratic processes in our nation,ÔÇØ she said.

She added that the role of the opposition is not just to challenge the ruling party but to ensure transparency and good governance.

"A strong opposition is not just a counterweight to the ruling party, it is a vital pillar for safeguarding democracy. It ensures that government actions are scrutinized, voices of dissent are heard, and the interests of the people remain at the center of governance.

"In this regard, the opposition is not a singular entity but a collective of diverse political parties, united by the shared goal of ensuring transparency, equity, and good governance.ÔÇØ

The former Kaduna South senator also reaffirmed Labour Party's commitment to building a vibrant opposition where different perspectives can come together for the common good.

"The Labour Party remains committed to fostering a vibrant opposition space where different voices and perspectives can coalesce to advance the common good. The more united the opposition parties are, the stronger and more dynamic our democratic process becomes.

"We welcome every stakeholder, regardless of political background, who is willing to stand for justice, fairness, and the welfare of the Nigerian people. Together, we can build an opposition that not only critiques but also offers viable alternatives for a better Nigeria,ÔÇØ she added.