The National Secretary of the Social Democratic Party, SDP, Olu Agunloye, says the party is not open to merging with any political party.

Agunloye made this known in a statement, stressing that the party would resist any hostile takeover attempts by new members.

According to report in recent weeks, the SDP has welcomed new members from both the All Progressives Congress, APC, and the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP.

Agunloye said while new members may have different motives, they must adhere to the party’s rules and constitution.

“APC and PDP, which have ruled Nigeria since 1999, have not done well.

“It is common knowledge that Nigeria is not where Nigerians expect it to be. Injustice, corruption, ‘money for vote’ elections, and high insecurity have led to economic crisis, massive youth unemployment, and pervasive poverty.

“People are suffering, and many more are getting trapped in poverty by the day. In the face of these challenges, the emergence of SDP as an alternative platform for progress has become compelling.

“This is why all SDP leaders and state chairmen are required to reach out to all people desirous of good governance to join the crusade for sustainable development and not leave this task only to our dynamic and charismatic National Chairman, Alhaji Shehu Gabam,” he said.

According to him, SDP is inspired by vision, stimulated by a genuine desire to serve, and is proud to say it relies on ideology, adding that the party is a strong and reliable brand.

Agunloye further said that in managing the influx of contending interests, the party would cautiously avoid the pitfalls that led to the failure of past alliances.

The party’s National Secretary added that the SDP would continue to strengthen its institutions through enhancing membership registration processes, constitutional structures, and party organs and reinforcing all departments and directorates.