The Social Democratic Party has rejected the proposed rainbow coalition, declaring that it will field its own candidates in the 2027 general elections while collaborating with other opposition parties to protect Nigeria’s democracy.
The party’s National Chairman, Prof. 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.
Gombe said the meeting was convened to strengthen the party’s preparations for the 2027 elections through strategic discussions, experience-sharing and improved coordination among candidates.
He insisted that the SDP was not part of any arrangement under the proposed rainbow coalition, alleging that the ruling party was making efforts to infiltrate opposition parties and weaken their structures.
“We are not part of the proposed rainbow coalition. We are committed to presenting our candidates and contesting the 2027 elections independently,” he said.
However, the chairman clarified that the party was not opposed to cooperation among opposition parties, particularly on issues concerning the protection of democracy and electoral integrity.
He said the SDP was working with other opposition parties to build a coalition of Nigerians committed to credible elections.
According to him, the collaboration includes joint training of party agents and establishing common situation rooms to monitor elections and protect votes at polling units.
Gombe reaffirmed the party’s confidence in its presidential candidate, Prince Adewole Adebayo, and running mate, Prof. Usman Bugaje, describing them as credible alternatives capable of providing purposeful leadership.
He urged Nigerians to support the party, expressing confidence in the competence, character and patriotism of its candidates across the country.
The SDP chairman also raised concerns over what he described as attempts to undermine the democratic process ahead of the elections.
He accused the Independent National Electoral Commission of refusing to publish the names of some of the party’s candidates despite its claim that it had fulfilled the relevant electoral requirements.
Gombe also criticised moves to disqualify the African Democratic Congress presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, insisting that political parties must be allowed to nominate candidates and participate freely in elections.
He called on INEC, the judiciary and security agencies to remain impartial, warning that any action capable of undermining political participation could weaken public confidence in the electoral process.
Earlier, the Chairman of the SDP Governors’ Forum and Nasarawa State governorship candidate, Mohammed Abubakar Adamu, said the engagement 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, including the presidential, National Assembly and State Assembly contests.
He stressed that effective coordination among candidates and party structures would be critical to improving the SDP’s electoral chances.
The governorship candidate said Nigerians were yearning for a change in leadership, adding that the SDP was positioning itself as an alternative committed to improving their living conditions.
The meeting brought together governorship candidates and members of the National Working Committee as part of efforts to consolidate the party’s structures and strengthen its preparations for the 2027 general elections.
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