The Social Democratic Party (SDP) in the South-West has distanced itself from the recently formed coalition of opposition parties, reaffirming its commitment to developing an independent strategy for the 2027 general elections.
Speaking at the South-West Stakeholders’ meeting held at the party’s secretariat in Ibadan, Oyo State, the Chairman of Chairmen of the party in the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Femi Olaniyi, made it clear that the SDP was not part of any coalition at this time.
The meeting was convened to address the internal affairs of the party in the region, where Olaniyi, who is also the Lagos State Chairman, stated that no decision regarding coalition participation had been made.
He emphasised that no member of the party in the South-West would join the coalition unless directed by the National Working Committee (NWC).
“We have seen how everything is being played out in our party, and we need to brief our members, especially our stakeholders in the region,” Olaniyi explained. He further stressed that any decision regarding joining the opposition coalition could only come from the NWC.
“We are still waiting for our NWC to come up with its own stance regarding this coalition. As it stands now, there is nothing like a coalition in SDP,” he added.
In his address, Olaniyi also reassured party members that the NWC would soon assist each state with necessary materials such as membership cards and registers.
He emphasised the unity within the party, especially among leaders in the region.
“In the six states of Ondo, Lagos, Ogun, Osun, Ekiti, and Oyo, we are united and speak with one voice. We are committed to rescuing Nigeria from the current administration and bringing a formidable government in 2027,” Olaniyi stated.
He stressed that the focus for the party was on the future, aiming to provide a true and real democracy for Nigerians in the 2027 elections.
Also speaking at the event, Babatunde Omotayo, a serving lawmaker from the Ise-Orun Constituency in the Ekiti State House of Assembly, affirmed the party’s commitment to its independent path.
“We are here to resolve issues and ensure the development of our party. The most important aspect of our discussion was how we can remain united and speak with one voice to move the party forward,” Omotayo said.
He reiterated that the SDP in the region had no plans to join the opposition coalition, maintaining that the party was focused on unity and progress.
The meeting saw the participation of several prominent SDP members from the South-West, including the host Chairman of Oyo State, Okunlade Michael; Ondo State Chairman, Gbenga Akinbuli; Ogun State Chairman, Yinka Ola-Williams; Osun State Chairman, Yinus Gbadamosi; Ekiti State Chairman, Ayodele Bamikole; Deputy National Woman Leader of SDP, Bosede Mercy Ilesanmi; and other dignitaries, including a member of the Ekiti State House of Assembly, Babatunde Omotayo.