The Social Democratic Party (SDP) has kicked off the screening process for its aspirants in preparation for the upcoming 2027 general elections.
Dr. Adewole Adebayo, the party’s 2023 presidential candidate, is among those being screened. The exercise isn’t limited to the presidency; it covers aspirants for governorship seats across all 36 states, the National Assembly, and State Houses of Assembly.
National Chairman Prof. Sadiq Gombe stated that the party intends to field candidates in every elective constituency nationwide to provide a “credible alternative” to the current administration.
Screening is taking place at the party’s National Secretariat in Abuja. The party is moving quickly to finalize its leadership and candidates by Saturday, May 9, in Bauchi, Bauchi State.
This convention is seen as a major move to strengthen internal democracy. It comes at a time when the SDP has become a “darling” for several high-profile politicians from other parties (like the APC and PDP) who are looking for a new platform.
It’s worth noting that this is happening amidst some internal friction. While Prof. Sadiq Gombe is leading these preparations, there has been a lingering dispute regarding INEC’s recognition of different leadership factions. However, the party leadership under Gombe remains focused on the May 9 deadline to meet the electoral schedule.
Prince Adebayo has been quite vocal lately, even mentioning in earlier interviews that while he has his own aspirations, he is open to supporting a “better candidate” if it means fixing Nigeria’s problems, though for now, he remains the primary hopeful for the SDP ticket.
