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.

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.

Alkali Resigns as Transport Minister, Eyes Governorship Bid

By Auwal Ahmad Umar

The Minister of Transportation, Said Ahmed Alkali, has resigned from office following the presidential directive requiring political appointees seeking elective positions to step down ahead of the next elections.

His resignation was contained in a press statement signed by Umar Alkali Jibril, Special Assistant on Media and Publicity in the Office of the Minister of Transportation, and made available to journalists in Gombe.

Alkali is said to be leaving office to pursue his governorship ambition in the forthcoming elections, a move that is already expected to shape the political atmosphere in his home state.

In his resignation letter, the minister appreciated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the opportunity to serve the country, while reflecting on what he described as key milestones achieved in the transportation sector during his time in office.

“I am deeply grateful to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the privilege to serve our great nation. As I step down, I do so with a sense of fulfilment over the progress recorded in the transportation sector and with renewed determination to continue serving the people in a greater capacity,” Alkali said.

The statement added that the president has accepted the resignation and commended the minister for his commitment and contributions to national service.

Alkali’s resignation now clears the path for his expected entry into the governorship race, setting the stage for what could become a major political contest in the state.