2027 Elections: SDP Opens Contest to Aspirants, Promises Transparent Primaries

By Auwal Ahmad Uamr

The Social Democratic Party (SDP) says it is ready to welcome qualified Nigerians seeking to contest elective offices ahead of the 2027 general elections, declaring that its internal process will be open, fair and credible.

The party’s National Chairman, Sadiq Gombe, made the declaration on Thursday during a press conference in Abuja, where he said the SDP was determined to run primaries rooted in justice, transparency and democratic values.

“Our party remains open to every qualified Nigerian who wants to serve, and we will ensure that our primaries are guided by justice, fairness, and transparency,” Gombe said.

He explained that the party would create an equitable environment for all aspirants and ensure that its nomination process embodies inclusiveness and internal democracy.

According to him, interest in the party’s presidential ticket is already building, with two party members having indicated readiness to contest, while more qualified Nigerians are still free to join the race.

Gombe emphasised that the SDP would not exclude any eligible aspirant, highlighting the party’s aim to establish itself as a viable alternative for Nigerians in the upcoming general election.

He also dismissed claims suggesting that the SDP was working in alliance with the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), insisting that the party remains an active opposition voice committed to holding government accountable.

“The SDP is not an extension of the ruling party; we are a credible opposition determined to offer Nigerians a better alternative,” he said.

The SDP chairman criticised the Federal Government’s continued resort to borrowing, arguing that many of the loans secured in the past had failed to produce meaningful development, especially in critical sectors such as infrastructure.

“Borrowing without visible development is unacceptable. Gombe added, “Nigerians deserve to know how public loans have been spent.”

He said Nigerians had every right to demand accountability and transparency in the management of public loans and other national resources.

Regarding the party’s growing influence, Gombe said the SDP had continued to attract new members across the country, including former governors, lawmakers, and other political actors who had defected from rival platforms.

He added that the party was also engaging major socio-political groups such as Afenifere as part of efforts to expand its national reach and strengthen its preparations for 2027.

Also speaking, the party’s Deputy National Chairman (South), Ugochukwu Uba, called on Nigerians to take a closer look at the SDP manifesto, saying the party was committed to a new political culture built on accountability, transparency and responsible leadership.

“The SDP manifesto offers a clear departure from the old order and reflects our commitment to transparent and responsible leadership,” Uba said.

Earlier, the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Rufus Aiyenigba, raised concerns over the country’s worsening insecurity and the growing burden of public debt.

He urged the government to provide a clear account of borrowed funds and recovered public assets while insisting that Nigerians must begin to prioritise competence, character, and leadership capacity when choosing those who will govern them in 2027.

“As 2027 approaches, Nigerians must begin to prioritise competence, character and accountability over empty political promises,” Aiyenigba said.

Bomai Dismisses Defection Rumours, Reaffirms Loyalty to APC

By Njadvara Musa, Damaturu

Senator Mohammed Ibrahim Bomai, who represents Yobe South Senatorial District under the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has dismissed rumours that he is planning to defect to the African Democratic Congress (ADC), describing the report as false and misleading.

Bomai said the speculation followed a recent meeting of APC governorship aspirants in Abuja but insisted that the gathering had nothing to do with leaving the ruling party.

In a statement issued on Thursday in Damaturu on behalf of a coalition of APC governorship aspirants, the senator explained that the Abuja meeting was convened strictly to demand fairness, transparency and a level-playing field ahead of the party’s primaries.

He said the move was in line with the provisions of the 1999 Constitution as amended, as well as the Electoral Act guiding the conduct of political parties and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

Describing the defection rumour as “false, baseless, and without any foundation,” Bomai reaffirmed his commitment to the APC and declared that he remains fully loyal to the party.

“I remain a committed, loyal and steadfast member of the APC,” Bomai stated.

The senator recalled that he joined the APC in 2019 when the party was still in opposition in Yobe South, noting that through collective effort and political commitment, the party was able to secure almost all elective positions in the district during the 2019 elections and also retained dominance in 2023, despite losing one House of Representatives seat.

Bomai stressed that his position, alongside other aspirants, is not about rebellion or division within the party but about ensuring that the process leading to the 2027 general elections is credible and acceptable to all stakeholders.

He urged the APC leadership to avoid the imposition of candidates and instead guarantee equal opportunity for every aspirant seeking elective office under the party’s platform.

According to him, if the party eventually adopts a consensus arrangement, such an option must be carried out in a transparent, inclusive and acceptable manner that reflects the wishes of aspirants and party stakeholders.

“If a consensus option is to be adopted, it must be transparent and inclusive to all aspirants and stakeholders to ensure unity and adherence to laid down electoral procedures,” he said.

Bomai further reiterated his faith in the APC and pledged to continue working within the party’s framework while advocating justice, fairness and due process in all political engagements ahead of the next election cycle.

“I reiterate my absolute loyalty to the APC and my readiness to abide by its principles of fairness, justice and strict adherence to the Constitution and the Election Act,” he added.

The clarification comes amid growing political realignments and speculation in several states ahead of the 2027 general elections, as parties begin early consultations and positioning for key contests.

Goje Not Leaving APC, Aide Dismisses Defection Rumour as ‘Cheap Political Mischief’

By Auwal Ahmad, Gombe

Fresh speculation over the political future of former Gombe State Governor and serving Senator, Danjuma Goje, has been dismissed as false, with his media aide insisting that the lawmaker remains firmly rooted in the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The clarification followed reports making the rounds on social media alleging that Senator Goje was preparing to dump the APC for the African Democratic Congress (ADC) ahead of the 2027 general elections.

But in a press statement made available to journalists, Goje’s Special Assistant, Ahmed Isa Kashere, described the report as “baseless disinformation” designed to mislead the public and create unnecessary political tension.

Kashere said there was no truth in the claim, stressing that the former governor had neither resigned from the ruling party nor shown any sign of abandoning it.

According to him, Senator Goje’s recent participation at the APC National Convention and his continued involvement in party affairs at the national level clearly show his loyalty and commitment to the party.

“Senator Goje has not quit the APC, nor does he intend to. This disinformation is nothing but mischief from those who seek to undermine his reputation and contributions to the party,” Kashere said.

He maintained that those behind the rumour were political detractors bent on causing confusion around the senator’s political standing and influence in Gombe State and beyond.

The aide also frowned at what he described as the growing use of “mushroom media platforms” to spread unverified claims, especially as political activities begin to gather momentum ahead of the next election cycle.

Kashere noted that Senator Goje, like many prominent politicians, has repeatedly been a target of false narratives and politically motivated speculation, particularly during periods of heightened political calculations.

“It is not surprising that mischievous elements have again resorted to using questionable media outlets to circulate such falsehood. This is not the first time such tactics are being used, not only against Senator Goje, but against several politicians as elections draw closer,” he added.

The statement comes at a time when political alignments and defections are beginning to shape conversations ahead of the 2027 polls, with major political actors across the country facing growing scrutiny over their future ambitions and party loyalties.

However, Goje’s camp insists there is no ambiguity about where he stands, saying the senator remains a committed APC stakeholder and a loyal party man.