The South-West chapter of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) has dissociated itself from the newly formed opposition coalition backing the African Democratic Congress (ADC) for the 2027 general elections, asserting its commitment to charting an independent course to dislodge the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) at all levels of government.
This declaration was made on Saturday during a stakeholders’ meeting held at the party’s South-West Secretariat in Ibadan, Oyo State. The meeting had in attendance SDP chairmen and critical stakeholders from the six South-West states—Lagos, Oyo, Ogun, Ondo, Ekiti, and Osun.
Hon. Femi Olaniyi, also known as Ferrari, who serves as the Chairman of SDP Chairmen across Nigeria and the party’s Lagos State Chairman, addressed the gathering, firmly rejecting the idea that the SDP was part of the coalition movement.
“We called this meeting to brief our stakeholders on developments within the party, particularly concerning the so-called opposition coalition,” Olaniyi said. “We want to make it categorically clear that no part of the South-West SDP has joined any coalition. Only the National Working Committee (NWC) of the party is empowered to make such decisions, and as it stands, no directive has been issued.”
The coalition in question had earlier declared its support for the ADC as a common platform for the opposition in 2027. Prominent political figures including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate Peter Obi, former Senate President David Mark, and ex-governors Rauf Aregbesola and Nasir El-Rufai were reported to be part of the agreement.
Hon. Olaniyi, however, insisted that the SDP was not part of that arrangement, stressing that the party is focused on grassroots mobilisation and internal strengthening.
“Our members should not be discouraged by the challenges they face in their states. The NWC has promised to provide support, including membership cards, registers, and other essentials,” he assured.
Also speaking, Hon. Babatunde Omotayo, the serving member representing Ise-Orun Constituency in the Ekiti State House of Assembly under the SDP, backed Olaniyi’s position. He described the meeting as “crucial” for addressing internal issues and reaffirming party unity in the South-West.
“We deliberated on strategies to strengthen our regional bloc and ensure we remain united. The SDP has no intention of joining any coalition,” Omotayo said.
The meeting was attended by all South-West state chairmen and other critical party stakeholders, who pledged their continued loyalty to the party’s constitution and central leadership.
Hon. Olaniyi concluded with a rallying call: “In 2027, we will rescue Nigeria from the current administration. We are committed to bringing in a formidable and truly democratic government.”
Leave a Reply