Prof. Adewole Adebayo has emerged as the Social Democratic Party's presidential candidate for the 2027 general election. He was elected during the party's National Convention and Presidential Primaries held on Saturday in Bauchi. Adebayo was the sole candidate and was affirmed as the consensus choice by delegates from all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.
Edoho James-Nsima, Chairman of the SDP Electoral Committee, announced Adebayo's election, stating it followed the provisions of the Electoral Act and guidelines from the Independent National Electoral Commission for the 2027 polls. The process concluded without opposition, with no other aspirant contesting the primary.
In his acceptance speech, Adebayo committed to people-oriented and inclusive governance aimed at sustainable social and economic development. He pledged to implement policies targeting poverty reduction, improved security, industrial revival, job creation, and expanded access to free quality education and healthcare. He also affirmed the SDP's commitment to democratic principles and good governance.
Adebayo called on opposition parties to unite and form a common front against the ruling All Progressives Congress, saying such collaboration would strengthen democratic culture in Nigeria. He commended Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed for providing an enabling environment for the successful conduct of the party's convention and primaries.
The party also elected new national officers. Prof. Sadiq Abubakar-Gombe was elected substantive national chairman, having served as acting chairman since 2025. Other officials elected include Ugochukwu Uba as deputy national chairman (South), Olu Agunloye as national secretary, Mariam Batubo as national treasurer, Joseph Abu as national organising secretary, and Araba Aiyenigba as national publicity secretary.
Also elected were Aderemi Abimbola as national legal adviser, Bello Hussaini as national financial secretary, Sa'adatu Abdullahi as national woman leader, and Daniel Ibe as national youth leader. The convention ratified the suspension, expulsion, and resignations of Shehu Gabam and others, ending a leadership dispute. In October 2025, Abubakar-Gombe's faction had expelled Gabam over allegations of financial misconduct.
Adebayo calls for opposition unity while his own party just expelled a faction leader over financial misconduct. The SDP's internal rift suggests the coalition he urges may struggle with its own cohesion. A party that recently split over accountability cannot credibly demand unity from others without addressing its divisions. The call for a common front rings hollow when trust within the SDP remains fractured.
Editorial note: AI-assisted opinion, not established fact. Full disclaimer →
