A group of protesters stormed the Social Democratic Party (SDP) headquarters in Abuja on Wednesday, calling for the removal of the party’s national secretary, Olu Agunloye.
The protesters, who support former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, accused Agunloye of mismanaging the party and demanded that he either clear his name in an ongoing fraud case with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) or step down.
Agunloye, a former Minister of Power and Steel, is currently facing trial over allegations of fraudulent contract awards.
One of the charges against him involves a document from May 22, 2003, which allegedly led the Federal Government into a contract with Sunrise Power and Transmission Company Limited. The EFCC claims the document was forged, violating sections of the Penal Code.
The protesters, carrying placards, expressed frustration over Agunloye’s legal troubles, stating that his case was affecting the party’s reputation.
Some of their messages called for him to resign to prevent further embarrassment.
Meanwhile, sources revealed that the protesters are aligned with El-Rufai, who recently left the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the SDP.
He officially resigned from the APC on Monday, citing concerns that the party had strayed from its founding values.
El-Rufai encouraged his supporters to follow him to the SDP, arguing that the APC no longer represented good governance and democracy.
As tensions rise, reports indicate that SDP members loyal to El-Rufai are increasing pressure on Agunloye to step down.
In response, Agunloye has petitioned the Inspector-General of Police, alleging that he is being forced to resign through threats and forged documents.
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