SDP in Imo has ruled out joining any merger or coalition ahead of 2027 elections.
The party insists its ideology must remain intact and warns against recycled political unions.
The Imo State chapter of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) has made it clear that it will not be part of any coalition or merger ahead of the 2027 general elections, affirming its commitment to preserving the party’s distinct ideology and political vision.
Speaking through a press statement issued over the weekend, the party’s Imo State Chairman, Henry Eluwa, reiterated the resolve of the state and national leadership to maintain SDP unique identity in the evolving political landscape.
Eluwa disclosed that the state chapter fully aligns with the national leadership’s position, led by Alhaji Shehu Musa Gabam, who has consistently emphasized that any attempt to merge or collapse the party into a broader coalition would compromise its principles and further complicate Nigeria’s political problems.
“Our national chairman, Alhaji Shehu Musa Gabam, has made it very clear that SDP will remain independent and continue to project its values. We believe any form of alliance that dilutes our identity will only add to the political crisis the country is already battling,” Eluwa stated.
He noted that the party’s growing momentum and broad-based support are signs of increasing public trust in SDP’s mission to offer credible and value-driven leadership. According to Eluwa, the party’s vision resonates with many Nigerians, including notable figures like former Kaduna State Governor, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, and retired military officer, Major Hamza Al-Mustapha, who have reportedly identified with the party’s ideals without imposing any preconditions.
“These are individuals who believe in our vision and have joined this movement purely on conviction. That’s the kind of spirit we are building within the SDP, one that is transparent, nationalistic, and future-focused,” he added.
Eluwa stressed that while other political actors may see mergers as a shortcut to electoral success, the SDP is more concerned with promoting leadership rooted in integrity, accountability, and national development.
“SDP is not chasing quick political wins. We’re working toward building a sustainable political culture. By Allah’s grace, we will present a candidate in 2027 that Nigerians from all walks of life can rally around and trust,” he assured.
According to him, the party is gaining ground at both the grassroots and national levels, driven by the increasing dissatisfaction of Nigerians with the performance of mainstream political parties. Eluwa argued that the party’s refusal to join any merger is a deliberate step toward offering a real alternative, not a recycled version of existing political structures.
The statement also took a subtle swipe at alliances and coalitions currently being mooted by opposition leaders ahead of the 2027 polls. Eluwa warned that many of these arrangements are built on unstable foundations and short-term interests rather than genuine efforts to transform the country.
“We’re not interested in political marriages that will only collapse under the weight of personal ambitions and ideological differences. What Nigeria needs now is a party with vision, discipline, and a clear path forward, and that’s what SDP offers,” he said.
Eluwa concluded by stating that the Social Democratic Party would remain a beacon of hope for Nigerians who are tired of the cycle of recycled leadership, broken promises, and fragile political unions.
