SDP prepares for 2027 elections, National chairman

The Social Democratic Party is ready and focused as it looks towards the 2027 general elections. The party plans to contest all elective positions across Nigeria.

During the National Convention in Abuja on Wednesday, the National Chairman, Prof. Sadiq Gombe, emphasized the party’s determination despite past challenges. He said, "We have faced obstacles at almost every turn, and we remain focused. Today we demonstrate that the Social Democratic Party remains organised, strong and united."

Gombe announced that the party will present candidates for the presidency, 109 Senate seats, 360 House of Representatives seats, 28 governorships, and 1,015 state Houses of Assembly seats. He added, "No individual is bigger than the party."

He mentioned that party officials are being trained in all six geopolitical zones. This training aims to strengthen the SDP’s structures and boost grassroots mobilization. Gombe stated, "We must engage Nigerians with humility, integrity and sincerity of purpose. We must mobilize our youth and women."

According to him, the party’s agenda focuses on four key areas: security, productive employment, social justice, and accountable governance. He also highlighted the recent unveiling of the policy document by the party’s presidential ticket of Prince Adewole Adebayo and Dr. Usman Bugaje as proof of SDP’s readiness to lead.

At the convention, Adebayo criticized poor leadership for Nigeria's ongoing poverty despite its rich resources. He said, "God gave Nigeria wealth, leaders gave poverty."

Adebayo claimed that Nigeria should not be poor, given its oil, gas, and minerals. He recalled the SDP's history during the Babangida era and the 1993 presidential election win by the late MKO Abiola. He said, "That mandate was denied. The poverty we set out to defeat has grown and consumed another generation."

He insisted that Nigeria is wealthier in natural resources than many countries combined. He remarked, "Some countries in Europe and Asia would exchange themselves for Nigeria. We have more oil and gas than entire continents. God did not make a mistake creating Nigeria."

Adebayo argued that Nigeria’s problems stem from poor leadership, not a lack of resources. He noted, "You can hijack an office without being a leader. What Nigeria needs is leadership that listens and serves."

He differentiated the SDP from other political parties, saying its main goal is to improve the country and give Nigerians responsible leadership. He said, "The only thing we share with other parties is INEC. We are here for one reason: to fix the country and give Nigerians a government they can be proud of."

He urged the election of National Assembly members who would collaborate with an SDP government. He instructed party leaders to start door-to-door campaigns for the 2027 elections. Adebayo added, "Our mission is simple: farewell to poverty and insecurity. Let us stamp our generation’s name in history."

Former Inspector-General of Police, Mohammed Adamu, who is the SDP governorship candidate in Nasarawa State, spoke on behalf of the governorship candidates. He urged party leaders to take the campaign to the grassroots. He called on supporters and state chairmen to mobilize voters in their communities before the elections.

Adamu said, "Victory in 2027 will depend on the party’s ability to connect directly with voters at the grassroots and deliver the SDP message of ending poverty and insecurity."

Oba Olaitan Oladipo, who represented Afenifere at the convention, warned against social class barriers. He said these barriers are pushing young Nigerians into desperation. He noted that exclusion can lead to crime, as young people take risks to survive.

He stated, "If you don’t belong to that class, you become a target. Young men are staking their lives and their families in business just to survive."

Oba Oladipo encouraged Nigerians to speak out about their concerns instead of complaining in private. He said, "If you are talking, someone will listen. When you speak out, they know where you stand."