2027: SDP closes ranks, unveils reform agenda

The Social Democratic Party (SDP) has reaffirmed its commitment to party unity, institutional reforms and grassroots mobilisation as it intensifies preparations for the 2027 general elections.

This was part of the resolutions of the party’s second National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting held on Thursday in Abuja, where leaders pledged to strengthen internal democracy, consolidate party structures and expand the SDP’s electoral footprint across the country.

In his welcome address, the National Chairman of the SDP, Prof. Sadiq Umar Gombe, described the meeting as a milestone in the party’s rebuilding efforts.

According to him, the SDP had, within four months, successfully held two NEC meetings, conducted its National Convention in Bauchi, produced Prince Adewole Adebayo as its presidential candidate, organised governorship, National Assembly and State House of Assembly primaries, and repositioned its structures nationwide.

He also commended the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for its professionalism and cooperation, saying sustained engagement between the party and the electoral body had helped strengthen internal democracy and contributed to improvements in Nigeria’s electoral process.

He noted that the SDP remained committed to constitutionalism, the rule of law and due process, insisting that disciplinary actions taken against some former officials were carried out in accordance with the party’s constitution after the affected members were given a fair hearing.

He said, “The SDP has no faction. We remain one united political family committed to democratic ideals and the rule of law.”

Gombe urged members to sustain the current momentum, expressing confidence that the party would significantly increase its representation from the Presidency to the National Assembly and State Houses of Assembly in 2027 through disciplined organisation and grassroots mobilisation.

Also, the party’s National Secretary, Dr. Olu Agunloye, presenting the party’s first quarterly report covering March 9 to July 9, 2026 described the period as one of the most productive in the SDP’s recent history.

He said the party had reviewed state structures, undertaken membership verification exercises, amended aspects of its constitution, reviewed its manifesto and strengthened internal governance through improved administrative procedures.

Agunloye said that the party has also sanitised and modernised its membership register with enhanced security features to prevent unauthorised alterations while introducing clearer communication channels and administrative protocols approved by the National Working Committee and ratified by the NEC.

According to him, the next phase of reforms would focus on strengthening polling unit structures and training polling agents, describing the polling unit as the bedrock of electoral success.

While urging state chapters to intensify grassroots mobilisation ahead of future elections, he added, “We must build from the polling units because that is where elections are won or lost.”

Speaking on behalf of the southern leadership, the Vice National Chairman (South), Senator Ugochukwu Uba, called on members to remain united and committed to the party’s ideals.

He said the SDP’s manifesto is rooted in Chapter II of the Constitution, which places the welfare and security of Nigerians at the centre of governance, expressing confidence that the party would transform the country if given the opportunity to lead.

Also speaking, the lawmaker representing Lafia Central Constituency in the Nasarawa State House of Assembly, Hon. Solomon Akwashiki reiterated that the security and welfare of Nigerians must remain the primary responsibility of government, adding that the SDP was well-positioned to increase its electoral representation at all levels in the 2027 elections.

Chairman of the SDP State Chairmen Forum, Femi Ferari Olaniyi, urged party leaders across the federation to strengthen structures at the state, local government and ward levels, intensify membership registration, Permanent Voter Card (PVC) collection and voter mobilisation campaigns.

In her vote of thanks, the National Woman Leader, Saadatu, advocated greater representation of women in the party’s leadership and decision-making organs, stressing that increased female participation would strengthen the SDP ahead of the next general elections to woo more members into the party.