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The Social Democratic Party (SDP) has adopted its 2023 presidential candidate, Adewole Adebayo, as its flagbearer for the 2027 general election following a consensus decision at the party’s national convention held in Bauchi on Saturday.
The party also endorsed Sadiq Gombe as national chairman during the convention, with the decision reached from motions moved by party leaders, including state chairmen, and unanimously supported by delegates.
Addressing the gathering, Adebayo decried the country’s economic situation, saying prevailing policies had worsened living conditions for many Nigerians.
He said those who work hard were increasingly unable to meet basic needs, noting that when they return home, their children question the absence of food, unpaid school fees, and lack of access to healthcare for sick relatives.
The former presidential candidate also reflected on the situation of Nigerians abroad, questioning the circumstances that push citizens to seek survival opportunities outside the country under difficult conditions.
“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,” he said.
“Why am I in China hiding from immigration just to earn a living when I have a country of my own?” he asked.
He further criticised what he described as weak leadership and warned against any move toward a one-party system.
He also commended the Governor of Bauchi State, Bala Mohammed, for ensuring a peaceful and orderly convention process.
Adebayo urged Nigerians to fully engage in democratic processes to drive national change.
After his inauguration alongside members of the party’s National Working Committee, Sadiq Gombe said the SDP remained committed to providing an alternative leadership platform for the country.
He stated that the party was positioned to offer Nigerians a credible alternative and support what he described as a “rescue mission” for the nation.
“We want to assure Nigerians that the SDP will provide the needed alternative platform for the rescue mission of this country,” he said.
Gombe also pledged transparent and accountable leadership in line with the party’s constitution and guiding principles.
Earlier, the chairman of the national convention committee, Usman Bugaje, criticised the state of governance in the country, pointing to insecurity, rising fuel prices, unemployment, poor infrastructure and widespread poverty as major national challenges.
He accused the ruling party of attempting to restrict political competition and weaken opposition voices.
He said efforts to block political space and eliminate opposition represented one of the most serious threats to democracy.
Bugaje also alleged that institutions such as the judiciary and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) were being used for political advantage.
Despite the challenges, he said the large turnout at the convention reflected the delegates’ commitment and determination to pursue political change, adding that no sacrifice was too great to improve the country’s population’s fortunes.
