By Peter Adelowo
The Social Democratic Party, SDP, has rejected calls for a proposed rainbow coalition, declaring its commitment to fielding candidates and contesting the 2027 general elections independently while collaborating with other opposition parties to protect the country’s democracy.
National Chairman of the party, Professor Sadiq Umar Abubakar Gombe, stated this in Abuja during an engagement with the party’s governorship candidates and the National Working Committee across the 36 states of the federation.
Gombe said the meeting was aimed at strengthening the party’s preparations for the 2027 elections through strategic discussions, experience-sharing and coordination among candidates to improve its chances of victory at both state and national levels.
He maintained 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.
The chairman, however, said the SDP was working with other opposition parties towards building a coalition of Nigerians committed to credible elections, including joint training of party agents and the establishment of common situation rooms to protect votes at polling units.
Gombe reaffirmed the party’s commitment to presenting what he described as credible alternatives to Nigerians, particularly its presidential candidate, Prince Adewole Adebayo, and vice-presidential candidate, Professor Usman Bugaje.
He urged Nigerians to support the party, expressing confidence in the capacity, competence, character and patriotism of its candidates across the country.
The SDP chairman also expressed concern over what he described as attempts to undermine the democratic process, condemning the alleged refusal of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to publish the names of some of its candidates despite the party’s claim that it complied with the relevant electoral requirements.
He further criticised moves to disqualify the African Democratic Congress (ADC) candidate, Atiku Abubakar, insisting that political parties should be allowed to freely nominate candidates and participate in elections.
Gombe called on INEC, the judiciary and security agencies to remain impartial and ensure a level playing field for all political parties ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Earlier, 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 preparations and develop strategies for the forthcoming elections.
Adamu said the discussions covered all levels of the elections, from the presidential contest to the National and State Assemblies, stressing the need for effective coordination to strengthen the party’s chances.
He said Nigerians were yearning for a change in leadership, adding that the SDP was positioning itself as an alternative committed to improving the living conditions of the people.
The meeting brought together the party’s governorship candidates and members of the National Working Committee as part of efforts to strengthen its structures and preparations ahead of the 2027 general elections.
