Ogun SDP Issues Stern Warning to Jimi Lawal: “Stop Parading Yourself as Our Member”

Party Leadership Accuses Former El-Rufai Aide of Illegal Activities

The Social Democratic Party (SDP) in Ogun State has drawn a clear line in the sand, publicly disowning Jimi Lawal, former economic adviser to ex-Kaduna State governor Nasir El-Rufai, and warning him against any further claims of party membership. This dramatic development comes amid growing tensions within opposition circles in the southwestern state.

A Political Identity Crisis

At a charged press conference in Abeokuta on Monday, SDP Deputy State Chairman Augustus Olushola delivered what party insiders describe as their strongest rebuke yet against Lawal’s political maneuvers. The party leadership minced no words in declaring Lawal persona non grata within their ranks.

“We want to make it categorically clear that Jimi Lawal is not, has never been, and will never be recognized as a bona fide member of our party,” Olushola stated with visible frustration. “His continued association with our name constitutes nothing short of political impersonation.”

The Core Allegations

The SDP leadership leveled several serious accusations against the former banker-turned-politician:

1. Coalition Confusion: Despite the SDP National Working Committee’s (NWC) repeated denials, Lawal allegedly continues presenting himself as part of an ADC-SDP coalition in Ogun State. “There is no merger, no coalition, no alliance with ADC,” Olushola emphasized, slamming the table for effect.

2. Unauthorized Membership Cards: Perhaps the most explosive allegation involves the alleged illegal issuance of SDP membership cards. “He’s been distributing our party cards to ADC members like some political Santa Claus,” the deputy chairman quipped bitterly. “This isn’t some supermarket loyalty program – it’s a serious breach of our constitution.”

3. Financial Irregularities: The party claims Lawal never fulfilled basic financial obligations expected of members. “Not a single kobo in membership dues,” Olushola revealed. “How can someone claim party membership without contributing to its upkeep?”

The Legal Implications

Legal experts suggest the SDP’s strong-worded statement may be laying groundwork for potential legal action. Nigerian party membership rules typically require formal registration processes, including payment of dues and issuance of official identification.

“By publicly declaring someone an impersonator, they’re creating a paper trail,” noted political analyst Deji Adeyanju. “This could either be a genuine attempt to protect party integrity or strategic positioning ahead of future elections.”

Lawal’s Political Journey

The embattled politician has had a turbulent political career since leaving his role as El-Rufai’s adviser. His 2019 gubernatorial aspirations in Ogun under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) ended in controversy, followed by a stint with ADC before the current SDP imbroglio.

Political observers note this pattern of party-hopping isn’t uncommon in Nigeria’s fluid political landscape, but rarely do parties publicly disown prominent figures with such finality.

What Comes Next?

The SDP’s statement leaves several unanswered questions:

• Will Lawal respond to these allegations publicly?
• Could this spark legal battles over party identity?
• How will this affect opposition dynamics in Ogun State?

As the political drama unfolds, one thing is certain: the SDP has fired a very public warning shot across Lawal’s bow. Whether this marks the end of their political entanglement or the beginning of a bitter feud remains to be seen.

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