The political landscape in Nigeria is witnessing significant shifts as former governor Nasir el-Rufai is reportedly leading efforts to form a new mega party aimed at challenging the dominance of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). This initiative appears to be drawing interest from various factions within existing parties, including the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Labour Party (LP), and Social Democratic Party (SDP).
El-Rufai’s recent visit to the SDP secretariat, following a breaking of fast with notable figures such as National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu and other APC chieftains, underscores his active role in these discussions. Observers suggest that el-Rufai, who played a pivotal role in the coalition that led to the formation of the APC in 2014, is now seeking to replicate that success by uniting disenchanted members from various parties.
The plan for the mega party is reportedly multifaceted. It includes potential mergers with existing parties or forming alliances with disaffected members from the PDP, APC, LP, and SDP. There is a growing sentiment among some PDP members that the party, under the leadership of Atiku Abubakar, has stagnated and requires new leadership to regain its competitive edge. Concurrently, members from the APC and other parties express dissatisfaction with their current political environments, prompting discussions about a new political platform that could unify these disparate groups.
The dynamics within the PDP are particularly noteworthy, with factions calling for a leadership change to rejuvenate the party. Some members believe that even a revitalized PDP may struggle to regain power, while others argue that a coalition with el-Rufai’s emerging movement could provide the necessary strength to challenge the APC.
This potential mega party is being framed as a significant opposition force, with aspirations to consolidate various political interests and create a viable alternative to the APC. El-Rufai’s networking efforts suggest a strategic approach to garner support from those feeling marginalized within their current parties.
As these developments unfold, the political atmosphere in Nigeria is poised for transformation, with el-Rufai positioned as a key player in the potential reconfiguration of opposition politics. The success of this initiative will depend on the ability to unify diverse factions and address the underlying grievances that have prompted calls for a new political direction.
