SDP leaders in the South-West have rejected involvement in the new 2027 opposition coalition.
They insist their focus is on removing APC and forming a people-driven agenda nationwide.
The South-West chapter of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) has officially distanced itself from the recently formed coalition of opposition parties gearing up for the 2027 general elections.
Femi Olaniyi, popularly known as Ferrari, who serves as the Chairman of SDP chairmen across Nigeria’s 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, made this known during a stakeholders’ meeting held at the party’s secretariat in Ibadan, Oyo State, on Saturday.
Olaniyi explained that the South-West arm of the SDP is not part of any coalition deal, stressing that the party is instead focused on building a solid strategy to challenge and unseat the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) at all levels in 2027.
According to PUNCH Online, the new coalition of opposition forces had agreed to adopt the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as a common platform ahead of the elections. This alliance reportedly includes key political figures such as former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Labour Party’s presidential candidate in 2023 Peter Obi, ex-Senate President David Mark, and former governors Rauf Aregbesola and Nasir El-Rufai.
However, Olaniyi firmly stated that no chapter of the SDP in the South-West is involved in that arrangement, noting that any such decision must come from the party’s National Working Committee (NWC).
“We have called this meeting to brief our members and stakeholders in Ondo, Lagos, Ogun, Osun, Ekiti, and Oyo states. Many have been asking about our involvement in the coalition. We are making it clear—no part of the SDP in this region has joined,” he said.
Olaniyi, who also chairs the Lagos chapter of the party, said the NWC is expected to provide further guidance and will eventually distribute materials like membership cards and registers to states when necessary.
“We cannot make unilateral decisions on national issues like this. We are still awaiting the directive of our National Working Committee,” he added.
He assured party members that the leadership in the South-West remains united and committed to advancing the party’s objectives.
“In 2027, we are determined to rescue Nigeria from the present administration and provide a credible, people-focused alternative,” he said.
Also speaking at the event, Babatunde Omotayo, an SDP lawmaker representing Ise-Orun Constituency in the Ekiti State House of Assembly, echoed Olaniyi’s remarks. He said the party met to resolve internal issues and discuss a united front for the region.
“We deliberated on the way forward for the party and agreed that unity and collective vision are vital. The SDP has no intention to join the so-called coalition,” Omotayo said.
Among those in attendance were SDP chairmen from the six South-West states, including the host chairman Okunlade Michael (Oyo), Gbenga Akinbuli (Ondo), Yinka Ola-Williams (Ogun), Yinus Gbadamosi (Osun), and Ayodele Bamikole (Ekiti). Also present were Bosede Mercy Ilesanmi, Deputy National Woman Leader, and other party stakeholders.
