SDP Declares Independence for 2027 Elections, Rejects Coalition

The Social Democratic Party (SDP) has announced its decision not to join the proposed rainbow coalition, affirming its intention to contest the 2027 general elections independently. National Chairman Professor Sadiq Umar Abubakar Gombe made this declaration during a meeting in Abuja with the party's governorship candidates and the National Working Committee from all 36 states.

He stated that the SDP is open to collaboration with other opposition parties to safeguard democracy. Gombe expressed concerns about the ruling party's alleged attempts to infiltrate opposition structures.

He reaffirmed the SDP's commitment to presenting credible alternatives, highlighting its presidential candidate Prince Adewole Adebayo and vice-presidential candidate Professor Usman Bugaje. Gombe also criticized the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for not publishing some candidates' names and condemned efforts to disqualify the African Democratic Congress candidate Atiku Abubakar.

He called for impartiality from INEC, the judiciary, and security agencies to ensure fair elections. Mohammed Abubakar Adamu, Chairman of the SDP Governors’ Forum, noted the meeting's importance for strategy development.