Cyril Mbah, Abuja
The National Chairman of the Social Democratic Party, (SDP), Prof. Sadiq Gombe, has hailed the people of Osun State for standing firm to elect their preferred candidate in the just concluded governorship election despite what he called the APC government’s “brazen” attempt to take over the state.
Addressing newsmen in Abuja on the outcome of the poll, Prof. Gombe said the poor performance of the SDP in Osun does not reflect the true strength of the party.
“Osun people have taught Nigerians a great lesson. We in the SDP believe we are the standout party best suited to rescue Nigeria in 2027,” he declared.
Gombe argued that the result has shattered the myth of “big” and “small” parties in Nigerian politics.
According to him, the Accord Party, classified as a small party, defeated the ruling big APC because the electorate was resolute.
“Secondly, the argument that political parties must merge to defeat the APC does not hold water. What the people need is a candidate with capacity and credibility. They don’t care about the size of the party,” he said.
Gombe explained that the SDP’s challenges in Osun were compounded by legal battles.
Expanding on the performance of the SDP in Osun, he noted that the party was only included on the ballot a few days to the election after the Court of Appeal ruled in its favour in a leadership crisis.
“It took time to get the Certified True Copy before we could submit to INEC. Our agents were not even allowed in some places because of the short notice. So what happened in Osun is not the true strength of the SDP,” he explained.
Despite the outcome, the SDP chairman commended INEC and security agencies for conducting a credible election.
“The people’s will prevailed. INEC distinguished itself and conducted itself professionally. If Nigerians are ready to take back their country, nothing will stop them,” he said.
Looking ahead to 2027, Gombe urged Nigerians to support the SDP presidential candidate, Prince Adewole Adebayo.
He described Adebayo as the most competent, humble and unifying candidate with the capacity to reposition Nigeria.
“Instead of those who are only after personal interest, our candidate has the overall interest of the country at heart. Even the APC knows that the SDP is the party to beat in the next election,” he stated.
Gombe also challenged voters in the North and South East regions, who, he said, suffer most from bad governance, to emulate Osun voters by defending their votes in 2027.
On election management, Gombe urged INEC and security agencies to develop a sustainable model for 2027, noting that deploying a Police Commissioner like it was done in Osun’s 30 LGAs may not be feasible nationwide.
He further warned that any opposition merger to defeat the APC must be driven by genuine and selfless intentions.
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