SDP Chieftain Agunloye says a coalition of confused politicians trying to unseat President Tinubu in 2027

….They think they want to reproduce the APC phenomenon

Olu Agunloye, the National Secretary of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), described the anti-Tinubu coalition as a group of “confused people.” He criticized their attempts to reproduce the APC phenomenon by trying to take over the ADC and SDP, saying they have paid for ADC but are not satisfied and are finding it difficult to proceed with taking over SDP.

Agunloye emphasized that SDP would not enter into any mergers or external takeover arrangements, as the party intends to maintain its identity and structure, warning that rushed mergers could lead to disputes and distract from winning elections

He said, “They think they want to reproduce the APC phenomenon.

This is not how to do that. They have paid for ADC, but they are not satisfied with what they got. They have also deposited to take away SDP, and they are finding that difficult to proceed with.

“You can join us, but you cannot take us over or buy out the party. You want to change the name, the logo, the constitution, and the manifesto. We are not accepting that.”

Dr. Olu Agunloye is a prominent figure in the Social Democratic Party (SDP) of Nigeria, currently serving as the party’s National Secretary. He was reaffirmed in this position by the SDP in March 2025, despite internal tensions following the defection of former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai to the party.

Agunloye has a history of leadership within the SDP, having previously served as the National Chairman before voluntarily stepping down to become National Secretary to strengthen the party’s chances in elections.

His tenure has not been without controversy. In 2022, Agunloye was suspended by the Ondo State chapter of the SDP over alleged anti-party activities, which he described as politically motivated due to his influence and efforts in Nigerian politics.

Despite this, he resigned as National Chairman to respect the party’s zoning arrangement and took the position of acting National Secretary. The South-West leaders of the SDP passed a vote of no confidence on him, accusing him of anti-party activities and undermining the party’s growth in Ondo State.

In 2025, Agunloye petitioned the Inspector-General of Police over an alleged plot by some SDP members loyal to El-Rufai to force him to resign as National Secretary, highlighting ongoing internal party struggles. He has welcomed El-Rufai’s defection, seeing it as adding value to the party, and has been involved in strategic planning for the party’s future, including preparations for the 2027 presidential elections.

Agunloye is also involved in a legal battle with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) related to the 2003 Federal Executive Council approval of the Mambilla Power Project, but the party maintains his innocence until proven guilty.

Dr. Olu Agunloye is a key SDP leader with a complex political career marked by leadership roles, internal party conflicts, legal challenges, and active involvement in Nigeria’s political landscape