The South-West leadership of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) has declared that it is not part of the recently announced coalition of opposition parties, which adopted the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as a platform for the 2027 general elections.
This clarification was made during a stakeholders meeting held in Ibadan, Oyo State, where regional party leaders unanimously agreed that no chapter of the SDP in the Southwest is involved in any coalition arrangement.
The Chairman of SDP chairmen across Nigeria and Lagos State party chairman, Hon. Femi Olaniyi, popularly known as “Ferrari,” led the charge, emphasizing that no decision regarding alliances or coalitions can be made without clear directives from the party’s National Working Committee (NWC).
“As it stands now, there is nothing like a coalition in SDP. Only the NWC can take such a decision on behalf of the party. Until we hear from them, we remain focused and united across the six states of the Southwest,” Olaniyi stated.
The statement comes in response to a meeting of opposition figures, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Labour Party’s Peter Obi, former Senate President David Mark, and former governors Rauf Aregbesola, Nasir El-Rufai, and Rotimi Amaechi, who recently endorsed the ADC as the base for a coalition in preparation for the 2027 elections.
Olaniyi stressed that the party remains committed to grassroots development and internal cohesion, reassuring members across Ondo, Lagos, Ogun, Osun, Ekiti, and Oyo states that the SDP is preparing independently for the 2027 elections.
“In 2027, we will rescue Nigeria from the current administration, bring a formidable government, and show all Nigerians a true and real democracy,” he said.
Also speaking at the meeting, Hon. Babatunde Omotayo, the SDP lawmaker representing Ise-Orun Constituency in the Ekiti State House of Assembly, emphasised the need for internal unity and dialogue.
“The most important thing we discussed was how to remain one and speak with one voice to move the party forward,” he said.
Other dignitaries in attendance included Hon. Okunlade Michael (Oyo), Barr. Gbenga Akinbuli (Ondo), Otunba Yinka Ola-Williams (Ogun), Alhaji Yinus Gbadamosi (Osun), Hon. Ayodele Bamikole (Ekiti), and Hon. Bosede Ilesanmi, Deputy National Woman Leader of the party.
The meeting concluded with a firm resolve to strengthen the SDP in the Southwest and await further instructions from the national leadership regarding any coalition moves.