The South-West chapter of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) has formally distanced itself from the recent coalition of opposition parties ahead of the 2027 general elections.
This was disclosed on Saturday during a stakeholders’ meeting held at the party’s South-West secretariat in Ibadan, Oyo State. The announcement was made by the Chairman of Chairmen of the SDP across Nigeria, Femi Olaniyi popularly known as Ferrari who also serves as the party’s Lagos State Chairman.
Olaniyi stated that while a coalition of opposition parties has chosen the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as their unified platform for the 2027 elections, the SDP in the South-West is not part of that alliance. Instead, the party is channeling its efforts into building a solid strategy to unseat the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) at all levels.
The coalition had gained attention following a meeting attended by prominent opposition leaders, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate Peter Obi, former Senate President David Mark, ex-Governors Rauf Aregbesola and Nasir El-Rufai, among others.
However, Olaniyi stressed that the SDP would not make any decision on joining a coalition without directives from its National Working Committee (NWC). He reaffirmed that the party is awaiting the NWC’s official stance on the matter.
“There is no part of the SDP in the South-West that has joined any coalition,” Olaniyi declared. “No decision will be made on such a matter without the directive from the NWC. As of now, there is no coalition in the SDP.”
He assured members that the national leadership will soon provide party registers, membership cards, and other necessary resources to strengthen the structure at the state level. Olaniyi also emphasized the unity and shared vision among party stakeholders in the region, stating their collective commitment to rescuing Nigeria and delivering true democracy in 2027.
“We’re focused on building from within. We’ve discussed challenges and progress. This meeting was to inform our stakeholders that we are not part of any coalition and remain committed to our own roadmap for 2027,” he added.
Also speaking at the meeting, Babatunde Omotayo, the SDP lawmaker representing Ise-Orun Constituency in the Ekiti State House of Assembly, supported the chairman’s position.
“We are here to resolve issues and strategize for the development of our party. Most importantly, we reaffirmed our unity and agreed to speak with one voice. SDP has no plans to join the so-called coalition,” he said.
The meeting was attended by key SDP leaders across the six South-West states, including:
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Femi Olaniyi (Ferrari) – Chairman of Chairmen and Lagos State Chairman
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Okunlade Michael – Oyo State Chairman (host)
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Gbenga Akinbuli – Ondo State Chairman
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Yinka Ola-Williams – Ogun State Chairman
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Yinus Gbadamosi – Osun State Chairman
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Ayodele Bamikole – Ekiti State Chairman
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Bosede Mercy Ilesanmi – Deputy National Woman Leader
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Babatunde Omotayo – Ekiti State House of Assembly member
The South-West SDP reaffirmed its commitment to internal consolidation and building a formidable alternative ahead of the 2027 general elections.
