The Social Democratic Party (SDP) on Thursday invited former Senate Speaker Ali Ndume to its party.
The National Chairman of the SDP, Alhaji Shehu Gabam, delivered the invitation at a press conference in Abuja.
The Senate on Wednesday removed the outspoken lawmaker as Chief Whip following the recommendation of the National Working Committee (NWC) of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
He has since been replaced by Senator representing Borno North, Mohammed Monguno, in the position.
Ndume was fired days after he criticized President Bola Tinubu’s leadership style.
The lawmaker, who appeared on a programme on Arise TV, said the president had been locked up by his aides in Aso Rock.
He added that Tinubu is unaware of the challenges facing Nigerians because he is far removed from the current reality in the country.
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At the briefing, Gabam condemned Ndume’s dismissal for criticizing the government and its policies.
He said the APC leadership’s suggestion that Ndume be free to join any opposition party was an act of intolerance.
The chairman said: βThe SDP believes that criticism is essential to a healthy democracy, and we will not stand idly by while the APC attempts to silence dissenting voices.
βWe extend a formal invitation to Senator Ndume to join our party and continue his fight for social justice, good governance and the upholding of democratic principles.
βTo Senator Ndume, we say that your courageous stand against the authoritarian tendencies of the APC is commendable, and we welcome you to our group.
βTogether, we will continue to fight for the rights of Nigerians and ensure our democracy remains vibrant and inclusive.β
SDP woos former senate chief Ndume first appeared on Latest Nigeria News | Headlines from Ripples Nigeria.