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

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.