SDP Concludes Primary Elections In Oyo State, Unveils Candidates For 2027 General Elections

Micheal Chukwuebuka, Reporting

IBADAN – The Oyo State chapter of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) has officially concluded its primary elections, announcing candidates across all levels for the 2027 General Elections.

The event, which took place on Tuesday, 26 May at Orita-Challenge in Ibadan, was presided over by the party’s state chairman, Comrade Engr Michael Idowu Owokoya, alongside other executive members, Stonix News reports.

Addressing party members, Comrade Owokoya explained that while the party had intended to conduct a direct primary election, the governorship candidate emerged as the sole aspirant who obtained the party’s nomination form.

“Our intention before was to have a primary election, what we call a direct election,” Comrade Owokoya said. “But as God would have it, in His mercy, we have no other contender for the gubernatorial candidacy.”

The primary elections for House of Representatives, Senate and House of Assembly seats were overseen by the party’s vice chairman and carefully monitored by officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

Oladele Declared SDP Flag Bearer

Following his official declaration as the SDP flag bearer for the 2027 Gubernatorial Election, Honourable Oloye Saheed Oladele expressed gratitude to party members for their trust, patience and confidence in his ability to represent them. He made clear that he had not come to negotiate but to win the forthcoming election.

“I am not here to negotiate with anybody,” Hon Oladele stated. “I came to SDP to contest and to win this election, because I know we can do it.

“If I wanted to negotiate, I would have remained at the party I defected from because of some of the opportunities that were presented at that party, but I said ‘No’. The people of this state deserve the best and that is why I am here.”

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He further emphasised that the SDP possessed sound instincts and people of strong character, adding that the party had shown great potential in the past but had lacked serious candidates.

“SDP is a well-known party, and all it needs is a serious candidate and that candidate is here,” Hon Oladele said.

Call for Unity and Mobilisation

The governorship candidate encouraged party members and stakeholders to mobilise en masse and reassure the people of Oyo State that he represented their best interests.

“We must never be discouraged by whatever may come our way,” he said. “Let’s keep working harder. I am for unity in SDP. I am not for disunity, because united we stand — divided we fall. Let’s join hands together and draw ourselves closer, irrespective of our differences, so that we can achieve the ultimate result.

“I want to assure us that 2027 is the best chance for SDP to produce another governor in a state after Chief Kolapo Ishola in 1991.”

He concluded by urging party members and stakeholders to make the most of this opportunity, reaffirming that they all had significant roles to play in the endeavour.

Chairman’s Assessment

Speaking with Stonix News after the primary, Comrade Engr Michael Idowu Owokoya described the process as having proceeded as expected and expressed appreciation for the attendance of all aspirants.

“I’m very much happy with the turnout and how the election went,” he said. “The turnout and everything is actually expected, like I said. We want the people to know that we didn’t just put someone that will contest for governorship or other positions. All our candidates were selected by party members and stakeholders.”

Candidate’s Vision for 2027

In a brief interview with Stonix News following the election, the Oyo State SDP governorship candidate, Honourable Saheed Oladele outlined his expectations for the upcoming governorship contest in Oyo State.

“My expectation is that people should not sell their conscience because of money,” he said. “I expect them to vote for quality representation.

“And the truth is there’s actually nobody that can match me in this governorship race. In 2027, there’s no alternative to me. And whoever wants the hardship in Oyo State to stop should choose me as their next governor.

“We won’t be sharing money the same way other parties are buying people’s conscience, but the quality representation we’re going to give them, they will be so glad.”

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Meanwhile, the Social Democratic Party Oyo State Chapter has subsequently released an official statement confirming that the governorship primary election had been successfully conducted through a consensus arrangement, in line with the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the Electoral Act governing political party primaries.

According to the statement signed by the state Secretary, Muhammed-Raji Ameen Keuyemi, and circulated by the publicity secretary, Pastor Gbenga Badejo, the sole aspirant who purchased the party’s governorship nomination form emerged as the duly elected candidate after the consensus process was unanimously adopted and endorsed by party stakeholders and members present.

The exercise, according to the statement, was conducted peacefully and transparently in the presence of state executive members, party leaders, delegates and members of the party across the state.

The party expressed appreciation to all members for their unity, cooperation and commitment towards strengthening democracy and ensuring a successful primary election process.