Tag: the Social Democratic Party (SDP)

 The leadership of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) in Southwest at the weekend made clarification on the new membership of the former Minister of the Federal Capital Territory ( FCT) , Mallam Nasir El-Rufai and others who recently joined the party.

According to the party,  new members are expected to play the game by the rules , and not to hijack the party from those who are there before them.

Speaking at a meeting of the party during an Iftar organized by the Oyo State chapter of the party for stakeholders in the 11 local governments in Ibadanland, the leader of SDP in the South West,  Hon. Mulikat Adeola Akande declared that the party will take careful measure to ensure that only candidates that are tested and trusted are presented in the 2027 general elections.

On the defection of former governor of Kaduna State, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai to the SDP, Hon Mulikat Akande said “politics is a game of numbers and anybody who wants to come into SDP is welcome as long as they are ready to play by the rules of the party and not with the mind of taking the party from those who are there before.”

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She said she was not aware that the motive of  the former Minister of the Federal Capital Territory FCT, to join the SDP is to become the presidential candidate of the party in 2027.

Hon Akande , while commenting on the chances of the party, said the SDP would ensure that only credible candidates are allowed to fly the party’s flag in the next general elections.

“ You don’t just sit down and say you want to win election and then go and bring out anybody. We must have the right candidates, somebody tested and trusted,who has integrity that when people hears his name they can rely on him. Someone who is dependable and reliable who will work for the people and not for himself. Those are the qualities we are looking for,” she said

Hon Akande further charged party faithful to remain loyal to the party so as to ensure its success at the polls urging intending members to register at their various wards

The Social Democratic Party (SDP) on Wednesday dismissed claims it is owned or bankrolled by President Bola Tinubu.

SDP maintained that it remains an independent entity owned by Nigerians.

The opposition party accused certain individuals of pushing the false narrative for personal and political

reasons.

In a statement by its National Publicity Secretariat, Rufus Ayenigba, the party dismissed the allegations as reckless and mischievous propaganda aimed at misleading the public.

It clarified that there is no individual who owns the SDP, adding that there is no godfather anywhere to whom the party reports, declaring further that “Nigerians own the party.”

The SDP said: “The national leadership of our great party, the Social Democratic Party, SDP, has in the past days been inundated with calls and expressions of concern about the reckless and mischievous statements credited to some individuals, suggesting that President Bola Tinubu owns and funds the Social Democratic Party, the SDP.

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“Initially, we chose not to dignify the preposterous claims of those political jobbers, attention- and patronage-seeking with any response so as not to make their false claim have any semblance of importance but upon deep reflection and considering the preponderance of calls from well-meaning patriots. 

“We have decided to respond as follows: that the SDP is a national political party that runs on the provisions of its constitution and operates its people-centred ideology.

“There is no individual who owns the SDP, and there is no godfather anywhere to whom the party reports; Nigerians own the party.

“That beyond the undeniable fact that the SDP provided the foundation upon which the glorious political career of President Tinubu is built, having provided him the platform to contest and win the Senate seat of Lagos-West along with Senator Kofoworola Akerele-Buknor and Senator Anthony Adefuye in the aborted 3rd Republic.

“That there is no working connection or relationship whatsoever with the president or his agents with  regard to political collaboration.

“That the party has, over the years, been solely self-funded and sustained through the subscriptions and sacrifices of members across the country.”

Femi Olaniyi has been elected as the chairman of state chairmen of the Social Democratic Party (SDP). He was appointed the Chairman by the body of Chairmen within the SDP, as it seeks to strengthen its internal cohesion and national presence.

Olaniyi thanked party faithful for the trust placed in him and outlined his vision for unity and progress.

“I am truly humbled and honoured to be given the privilege of serving again as your Chairman of Chairmen (COC).This is a critical moment in the history of our party, and we are at a pivotal time that requires our collective efforts to thrive. It is essential that we work together to shape the future of our party,” he said.

Olaniyi acknowledged the challenges facing the party, particularly the lack of cohesion among members, and pledged to address these issues

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He praised the efforts of the party’s national leadership, urging members to show loyalty and support.

“We must specifically commend our national chairman for his tenacity, focus, and determination to enhance our global image. He deserves our recognition for his exceptional work, and we are proud of him,” he said.

Olaniyi thanked  his predecessors and colleagues for their contributions to the party’s stability and growth.

 “My special appreciation goes to Hon. Dogara for always believing in the oneness and unity of this able forum; I cannot express how much that means to me,” he added.