SDP picks Adewole Adebayo as 2027 presidential flagbearer to challenge Tinubu

Politics

BAUCHI, Nigeria (NPA) — The Social Democratic Party (SDP) has formally elected Prof. Adewole Adebayo as its presidential candidate for the 2027 general election, following a consensus decision at the party’s National Convention and Presidential Primaries held in Bauchi on Saturday.

Announcing the result, Edoho James‑Nsima, Chairman of the Electoral Committee, declared Adebayo the sole candidate, affirmed by delegates from all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). He stressed that the exercise complied with the Electoral Act and INEC guidelines.

In his acceptance speech, Adebayo pledged to deliver people‑oriented and inclusive governance, promising to eradicate poverty, improve security, revive industries, create jobs, and expand access to free quality education and healthcare. “Nigeria is not a private company. Nigeria belongs to Nigerians,” he declared, vowing to restore hope and defend democracy.

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Adebayo also called on opposition parties to unite against the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), insisting that a common front was necessary to strengthen Nigeria’s democratic culture. He lauded Governor Bala Mohammed for providing an enabling environment that ensured the smooth conduct of the convention.

Meanwhile, the SDP elected Prof. Sadiq Abubakar‑Gombe as substantive national chairman, alongside a new slate of executives. Abubakar‑Gombe, who had been acting chairman since 2025, now formally leads the party. Other officials include Ugochukwu Uba (Deputy National Chairman‑South), Olu Agunloye (National Secretary), Mariam Batubo (National Treasurer), Joseph Abu (National Organising Secretary), and Araba Aiyenigba (National Publicity Secretary).

Additional positions were filled by Aderemi Abimbola (Legal Adviser), Bello Hussaini (Financial Secretary), Sa’adatu Abdullahi (Woman Leader), and Daniel Ibe (Youth Leader).

The convention also endorsed the suspension and expulsion of Shehu Gabam, who had previously laid claim to the chairmanship, deepening the party’s internal leadership dispute. Gabam was expelled in October 2025 over alleged financial misconduct, and delegates reaffirmed his removal.

In a statement after his victory, Adebayo said: “I joined this race because Nigeria must be rescued from hunger, homelessness, joblessness, insecurity, and leadership failure. This movement is not about one man. It is about restoring hope, defending democracy, and giving the Nigerian people a government that truly works in their interest.”

He concluded with a rallying message: “Together, we will move Nigeria from poverty and division to productivity, unity, and progress. The future is possible, and together, we will build a New Nigeria that works for everyone.”