The National Chairman of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Alhaji Shehu Gabam, has defended his party’s recent engagement with former Kaduna State Governor and All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai.

Gabam insisted that the meeting was a strategic move aimed at repositioning the SDP as a formidable opposition force in Nigeria.

Gabam made this known during an appearance on Politics Today, a Channels Television programme, on Thursday. The interview was closely monitored by Mega Icon Magazine.

Addressing the public reaction to his meeting with El-Rufai, Gabam questioned the uproar, suggesting that critics were unnecessarily amplifying the situation.

“Why the dust about Malam Nasir El-Rufai? They say he is not significant, he’s nothing. Why the worry about El-Rufai? Why the worry about Segun Sowunmi? If they are important, why won’t the government give them the relevant roles they need to play to enhance the efficiency of the government?” Gabam queried.

He explained that the meeting was part of the SDP’s broader strategy to assess Nigeria’s socio-political landscape in 2024 and strengthen its position as an opposition party.

“The meeting was to strategically review the situation of the country in 2024 as a party. We are an opposition party with elected members in the parliament, state assemblies, and in the local governments. So, we owe it a duty as a party to look at areas where things are not going right and open the space of the party and reach out to a lot of people,” he said.

Drawing parallels with the APC’s rise to power, Gabam highlighted that the current move mirrors the strategy employed by the APC when it successfully unseated the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in 2015.

“It’s the same things APC did when PDP was misbehaving; they re-organised, they regrouped, they relaunched a merger that led to the defeat of the PDP. So, we are not doing anything wrong. I don’t know why the brouhaha about it as if this is the first time Nasir El-Rufai visited or Segun Sowunmi who happens to be a friend. We’ve been in this struggle for a better Nigeria, not to undermine Nigeria,” he stated.

Gabam didn’t hold back in his criticism of President Bola Tinubu’s cabinet, expressing doubt over its ability to deliver on the president’s promises. He argued that the ministers lack the competence required to implement Tinubu’s vision effectively.

He also decried the current state of the economy, noting that Nigerians are enduring unprecedented economic hardship.

“No president that was elected to serve four years and has issues in two years can survive. Jonathan’s opposition started within two years – he lost election,” Gabam warned, suggesting that history could repeat itself if the administration fails to address pressing national challenges.

The Chairman of Obio-Akpor Local Government Area in Rivers State, Chijioke Ihunwo, has appointed 130 special assistants.

The announcement was made on Wednesday through a post on X, formerly known as Twitter, where Ihunwo stated that the appointments take immediate effect.

The appointees include Helen Nyekwere, Josephine Wogu, Daisy Worgu, Wagwu Hilda, Ogbonna Stella, Goodness Ogbonna, and Grace Amadi, among others.

“I have appointed the following persons as my Special Assistants,” Ihunwo stated. “I congratulate them and call on them to serve diligently in the interest of Obio-Akpor Local Government. Their appointments take immediate effect.”

This marks the second time Ihunwo has made such a significant number of appointments. In July 2024, during his tenure as the caretaker committee chairman of the LGA, he appointed 100 special assistants.

Ihunwo, a close ally of Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, recently drew attention for removing the name of the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, from the administrative block of the council secretariat.

The action is viewed as part of the ongoing political rivalry between Wike and Fubara, who have been locked in a power tussle in the state.

The chairman emphasized that the new appointees must prioritize service to the people, reiterating his commitment to the development of Obio-Akpor.

The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Ilaji Sports and Resorts and a prominent figure in Oyo State politics, Chief Jubril Dotun Sanusi, has officially announced his decision to withdraw from the 2027 gubernatorial race.

Sanusi made this known very recently during a meeting held with stakeholders of the Jubril Dotun Sanusi (JDS) Movement in Ibadan.

According to information obtained by Mega Icon Magazine a day ago via his Facebook page, ‘Asiwaju Jubril Dotun Sanusi,’ he expressed profound gratitude to his supporters, acknowledging their unwavering encouragement throughout his political journey.

However, he cited the challenges of opposition forces as a decisive factor in his withdrawal.

“If I were to vie for the gubernatorial seat, I believe I would win. However, I foresee significant opposition that would not benefit my followers. The challenges posed by adversaries far outweigh the support I would receive from friends,” Sanusi stated, reflecting on his decision.

Sanusi further clarified his non-partisan stance, stating, “I do not intend to seek membership in any political party. What I have in my hands now transcends politics.”

He emphasized his focus on business ventures, particularly his engagements in the oil and gas sector, including a major investment in Ghana’s oil industry.

Looking ahead, Sanusi revealed plans for the global expansion of his hospitality brand. He announced that by mid-year, the Ilaji Resort in Malta will be officially commissioned, marking a significant milestone for his business portfolio.

In his concluding remarks, Sanusi reaffirmed his commitment to serving humanity beyond the political sphere.

“Together, let us continue to dedicate ourselves to the service of humanity,” he urged.

The announcement has sparked diverse reactions among his supporters and political analysts, with many commending his focus on global business opportunities and philanthropy.