From Muhammad Ahmadu Saka, in Bauchi
The Social Democratic Party SDP has elected Prince Adewole Adebayo, as the party’s flag bearer for the 2027 presidential election.
Prince Adebayo was elected SDP Presidential candidate through a consensus arrangement held at the Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa Stadium in Bauchi during the national convention of the Party.
The development followed motions moved by party leaders, including state chairmen, which were supported by the delegates.
Adebayo was the 2023 presidential candidate of the Party who was defeated by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
In his address after he was elected, Adebayo decried the country’s economic hardship, saying many hardworking Nigerians were unfairly perceived as lazy due to prevailing conditions.
He also highlighted the struggles of Nigerians abroad, noting that some citizens were forced into difficult conditions in foreign countries despite having a homeland.
“For many who are working very hard, the economic policies of the government of the day make them look lazy because when they go home, their children ask why there is no food, why school fees are unpaid, and why sick relatives cannot access healthcare.
“Why am I in China hiding from immigration just to earn a living when I have a country of my own,” he questioned.
Adebayo criticised what he described as poor leadership and warned against a drift towards one-man rule, insisting that Nigeria needed a vibrant multi-party system.
The 2027 presidential candidate also alleged undue interference in political processes and commended the Governor of Bauchi State, Bala Mohammed for allowing the convention to hold without disruption.
He urged Nigerians to make use of their democratic rights to effect a change, stressing that the country’s challenges require collective action and responsible leadership.
The Chairman of the National Convention Committee, Usman Bugaje, criticised the state of governance in the country, citing insecurity, high petrol prices, poor infrastructure, unemployment and widespread poverty as major challenges.
Bugaje commended party members for remaining steadfast despite prevailing hardship.
He accused the ruling party of attempting to suppress the opposition and shrink the democratic space, alleging that institutions such as the judiciary and the Independent National Electoral Commission had become tools in the hands of politicians.
He said that despite all these challenges SDP delegates were able to come in their numbers as a measure of their commitment and determination to change the situation for good.
“No sacrifice is too great in changing the fortunes of the nearly 300 million oppressed people,” he said.
“The attempt by the ruling party to block the political space and eliminate competition and opposition is one of the most despicable offences today.”
He said the convention’s theme, “Building a People’s Coalition to Secure Our Homeland and Defeat Poverty,” reflected the party’s resolve to provide an alternative rooted in social democratic ideals and competent leadership.
Bugaje said while other parties recycle leaders linked to the country’s challenges, the SDP is presenting fresh candidates committed to national development.
Similarly at the convention Professor Sadiq Gombe was endorsed as the SDP National Chairman alongside members of the National Working Committee of the Party.
Activities at the convention were part of the SDP’s preparations ahead of the 2027 election
Speaking shortly after being sworn in alongside other members of the National Working Committee, Professor Sadiq Gombe said the party remained the most qualified platform to take over leadership in Nigeria.
He thanked party members and delegates for the confidence reposed in him and pledged transparent, committed and patriotic leadership in line with the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the Electoral Act and the party’s constitution.
Professor Sadiq said that the SDP would not take Nigerians for granted, stressing that the country urgently needed upright and transparent leadership.
“I thank you sincerely for the confidence reposed in us and for giving us yet another mandate to lead. We assure you of our commitment to the ideals, principles and wellbeing of the party and Nigeria.
“We want to assure Nigerians that the SDP will provide the needed alternative platform for the rescue mission of this country,” he said.
Members of the newly elected National Working Committee were the National Chairman, Prof. Sadiq Gombe; Deputy National Chairman (South), Senator Ugochukwu Uba; National Secretary, Olu Agunloye; National Treasurer, Hajiya Mariam Batubo; National Organising Secretary, Joseph Abu; National Publicity Secretary, Araba Aiyenigba; National Legal Adviser, Aderemi Abimbola; National Financial Secretary, Bello Hussaini; National Woman Leader, Hajiya Sa’adatu Abdullahi; National Youth Leader, Daniel Ibe; National Society Secretary, Mrs Rosemary Effiong; and Leader of Persons With Disabilities, Chief Lekan Alabi.
