The National Chairman of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Prof. Sadiq Abubakar Gombe, has assured Nigerians that the party remains fully open to all eligible candidates seeking elective offices, including the presidency, ahead of the 2027 general elections.
He said this on Thursday in Abuja at a media briefing on the state of the nation.
He said that the SDP is guided by the principles of justice, fairness, transparency, and social democracy, and emphasised that its primaries will be free, fair, and credible.
According to him, two aspirants have formally declared interest in the SDP presidential ticket, and that more Nigerians are welcome to participate in the contest.
“We will create and sell as many nomination forms as needed. Anyone who identifies with our ideology is welcome,” Gombe said.
He also dismissed suggestions linking the SDP with the ruling APC, saying the party is a vigilant opposition, consistently speaking against poor governance, harmful economic policies, and lack of transparency.
He reiterated the party’s rejection of the Federal Government’s multi-trillion naira loan request, noting that previous borrowings have not resulted in completed projects, particularly in electoral and critical infrastructure.
The SDP chairman highlighted the rapid growth of the party nationwide, with new members joining from all regions, including former governors, lawmakers, and high-profile political figures.
He also noted engagement with socio-political groups like Afenifere, who expressed readiness to align with the SDP for 2027 due to shared values.
He urged Nigerians to focus on leadership quality, character, and competence, stating that the SDP is positioned as a credible alternative to restore accountability, unity, and good governance in the country.
Speaking on fortune of the party ahead 2027 general elections, Gombe said “The truth is simple: This administration lacks the capacity to deliver sustainable economic transformation.
He said, “We in the SDP fear that the huge loans recently approved by the National Assembly may be deployed for political purposes ahead of the 2027 elections. We hope to be proven wrong, but governance has already taken the back seat, and Nigeria is now in full campaign mode. Everything revolves around 2027.
“Let it be clear, having 32 governors does not guarantee victory in 2027. There is a growing, determined Nigerian People’s Movement—everyday Nigerians—who are ready to challenge the status quo. They must contend with the Nigerian people, not just the institutions they believe they control.”
He said, “Despite the chaos, a new hope is rising. Nigeria stands captured by the system of the ruling APC, but beyond that capture, a Nigerian People’s Movement is emerging—clearly and unmistakably around the Social Democratic Party.
“Everywhere we go, citizens tell us: “We can no longer relate with the ruling party and its ideology. Their record does not align with our aspirations.” They reject platforms that lack credibility and capacity.
“This is why the SDP has become the most sought-after political party in Nigeria today—the credible alternative and the true opposition force ahead of the 2027 elections. SDP is the only party the system has failed to break.
“We remain firm, unshaken, and rooted deeply in the people. Our history speaks for us. The SDP delivered the fairest election in Nigeria’s history. And in 2023, we presented one of the most competent and globally minded presidential candidates—Prince Adewole Adebayo—a man of depth, knowledge, and unquestionable character.
“As we move towards 2027, we are even stronger. Credible leaders across the federation are joining the SDP as their vehicle for national transformation. Let me say emphatically, 2027 will not be APC versus the people. It will be failed governance versus the Nigerian people.
“And Nigerians are ready. The daily pain, the killings, the fear, and the despair are fueling a national awakening.
“The SDP is fully prepared for the 2027 elections. Our nationwide registration drive has brought massive numbers into the party. Whatever comes—whether from INEC or any system—the SDP is ready.
“We are resolute, organized, and determined to provide a credible alternative. By the grace of God, Nigeria will survive this difficult season.”
Also speaking, the Deputy National Chairman South, Senator Ugochukwu Uba urged Nigerians to examine the party’s manifesto, promising a clear break from past practices.
He said that the SDP intends to implement policies and strategies that reflect transparency, accountability, and a distinct political vision.
“When you look at our manifesto, you will notice the difference between us and others. We are ready to do things seriously differently, we are reiterating the party’s determination to present a united front ahead of the 2027 general elections”
Speaking earlier, the National Publicity Secretary, Araba Rufus Aiyenigba, who highlighted the surge in killings, bombings, and kidnapping, across the country, stressed that Nigerians live in fear while basic services and infrastructure remain inadequate or unavailable in some cases.
He rejected the government’s borrowing spree of N158 trillion in three years, without clear developmental outcomes, warning that funds may be misused ahead of the 2027 elections.
“These are not political questions. These are questions of national survival, calling for accountability on all loans and recovered public funds,” Aiyenigba said.
He reaffirmed SDP’s position as a credible alternative to the APC, stressing its growing grassroots support and nationwide registration drive.
He also urged Nigerians to demand transparency and good governance, highlighting the party’s readiness to present competent candidates for the 2027 elections.
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