SDP Vows Credible Alternative, Blasts INEC Over Candidates’ Names

The Social Democratic Party (SDP) has vowed to provide Nigerians with an alternative political platform ahead of the 2027 general elections, reaffirming its commitment to fielding presidential candidate, Prince Adewole Adebayo, and his running mate, Professor Usman Bugaje.

National Chairman of the party, Professor Sadiq Umar Abubakar Gombe, stated this in Abuja during an engagement with the party’s governorship candidates and members of the National Working Committee from the 36 states of the federation.

Gombe urged Nigerians to support the party, expressing confidence in the capacity, competence, character and patriotism of its candidates across the country.

He, however, expressed concern over what he described as attempts to undermine the democratic process, accusing the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of refusing to publish the names of some SDP candidates despite the party’s claim that it had fulfilled all relevant electoral requirements.

The SDP chairman also criticised moves to disqualify the African Democratic Congress (ADC) candidate, Atiku Abubakar, insisting that political parties should be allowed to freely nominate candidates and participate in elections.

He called on INEC, the judiciary and security agencies to remain impartial and guarantee a level playing field for all political parties ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Earlier, Chairman of the SDP Governors’ Forum and Nasarawa State governorship candidate, Mohammed Abubakar Adamu, said the meeting provided an opportunity for candidates to exchange ideas, assess their preparedness and develop strategies for the forthcoming elections.

Adamu said discussions covered all levels of the elections, from the presidential contest to the National and State Assemblies, stressing the need for effective coordination to strengthen the party’s preparations.

He said Nigerians were yearning for a change in leadership, adding that the SDP was positioning itself as an alternative focused on improving the living conditions of citizens.

The meeting brought together governorship candidates and members of the National Working Committee as part of efforts to strengthen the party’s structures and coordinate its preparations for the 2027 general elections.