A group of protesters supporting former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai stormed the national headquarters of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) in Abuja on Wednesday, demanding the resignation of the party’s National Secretary, Olu Agunloye.
The demonstrators, carrying placards, accused Agunloye of mismanaging the party and insisted that he either clear his name in the ongoing fraud case with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) or step down.
Agunloye, a former Minister of Power and Steel under President Olusegun Obasanjo, is currently on trial for alleged fraudulent contract awards.
One of the EFCC’s charges accuses him and businessman Leno Adesanya—who is reportedly on the run—of forging a document dated May 22, 2003, which led to the controversial contract between the Nigerian government and Sunrise Power and Transmission Company Limited (SPTCL) for the construction of the Mambilla Hydroelectric Power Station.
The EFCC argues that the contract, issued without proper approvals or financial backing, violated sections of the Penal Code and resulted in Nigeria facing a $2.3 billion arbitration claim from Sunrise Power at the ICC International Court of Arbitration in Paris.
Sources suggest that the protesters are aligned with El-Rufai, who recently defected from the All Progressives Congress (APC) to the SDP.
El-Rufai formally resigned from the APC on Monday, citing a disconnect between his values and the party’s leadership.
He criticized the APC for abandoning its founding principles and accused its leaders of disregarding internal democracy.
“I have raised concerns both privately and publicly regarding the capricious trajectory of the party,” El-Rufai said.
“At this point in my political journey, I must seek another platform for the pursuit of progressive values.”
He called on his supporters to join the SDP, expressing hope that it would provide a better platform for good governance, democracy, and national development.
Amid mounting pressure, Agunloye has petitioned the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, alleging threats and an orchestrated campaign to force his resignation.
“I petitioned the IG about a person who forged letterhead paper and is threatening me to resign,” Agunloye told reporters.
Reports indicate that SDP members loyal to El-Rufai are actively working to remove Agunloye from office.
However, some party figures, including 2023 SDP presidential candidate Adewole Adebayo, have welcomed El-Rufai’s defection but acknowledged concerns about his political approach.
“I see him as an asset, a hardworking person with a measurable track record of public performance,” Adebayo said in a television interview.
“But he has weaknesses that he needs to work on.”
