The Social Democratic Party (SDP) has declared its commitment to fielding candidates and contesting the 2027 general election independently. This move comes as the party rejects calls for a proposed rainbow coalition. National Chairman of the SDP, Professor Sadiq Umar Abubakar Gombe, made this statement in Abuja during an engagement with the party's Governorship candidates and the National Working Committee.
The meeting aimed to strengthen the party's preparations for the 2027 elections through strategic discussions, experience-sharing, and coordination among candidates. This effort seeks to improve the party's chances of victory at both state and national levels. Professor Gombe emphasized that the SDP was not part of any arrangement under the proposed rainbow coalition. He alleged that the ruling party was making efforts to infiltrate opposition parties and weaken their structures.
Despite rejecting the rainbow coalition, the SDP is working with other opposition parties towards building a coalition of Nigerians committed to credible elections. This collaboration includes joint training of party agents and the establishment of common situation rooms to protect votes at polling units. Professor Gombe reaffirmed the party's commitment to presenting credible alternatives to Nigerians, particularly its presidential candidate, Prince Adewole Adebayo, and vice-presidential candidate, Professor Usman Bugaje.
Professor Gombe expressed concern over attempts to undermine the democratic process. He condemned the alleged refusal of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to publish the names of some of its candidates. The SDP chairman claimed that the party complied with the relevant electoral requirements. He also criticized moves to disqualify the African Democratic Congress (ADC) candidate, Atiku Abubakar.
The SDP chairman called on INEC, the judiciary, and security agencies to remain impartial and ensure a level playing field for all political parties ahead of the 2027 general elections. He urged Nigerians to support the party, expressing confidence in the capacity, competence, character, and patriotism of its candidates across the country. The SDP aims to position itself as an alternative committed to improving the living conditions of the people.
Earlier, Chairman of the SDP Governors' Forum and Nasarawa State governorship candidate, Mohammed Abubakar Adamu, said the engagement provided an opportunity for candidates to exchange ideas, assess their preparations, and develop strategies for the forthcoming elections. The discussions covered all levels of the elections, from the presidential contest to the National and State Assemblies.
The meeting brought together the party's governorship candidates and members of the National Working Committee as part of efforts to strengthen its structures and preparations ahead of the 2027 general election. Nigerians are yearning for a change in leadership, and the SDP is working to capitalize on this sentiment. The party's efforts to build a strong coalition and present credible candidates will be crucial in determining its success in the 2027 elections.
Key points
- SDP rejects proposed rainbow coalition, vows to contest 2027 elections independently.
- Party aims to build coalition of Nigerians committed to credible elections.
- SDP expresses concern over attempts to undermine democratic process.
