The chairman of chairmen of the Social Democratic Party, Femi Olaniyi, at the weekend emphasized that the party is pursuing its own independent path to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2027.

This was disclosed at their South-West chapter of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) where they publicly distanced themselves from the emerging opposition coalition preparing for Nigeria’s 2027 general elections.

The Stakeholders’ Meeting, which was held at the party’s secretariat in Ibadan, Oyo State, saw Femi Olaniyi clarify that the SDP is not aligned with the newly formed opposition alliance.

He noted that any move toward coalition-building must originate from the party’s National Working Committee (NWC), which has yet to take a formal position on the matter.

A coalition of opposition parties recently announced their decision to unite under the African Democratic Congress (ADC) banner for the 2027 elections.

Prominent figures in that alliance include former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi, and other notable politicians such as David Mark, Rauf Aregbesola, and Nasir El-Rufai.

However, Olaniyi reaffirmed the SDP’s current position: “None of the South-West states; Ondo, Lagos, Ogun, Osun, Ekiti, and Oyo are part of any coalition. We await guidance from the NWC. As it stands, the SDP is not involved in any such alliance.”

He assured party members that the national leadership would soon provide organizational support, including membership cards and registers, to strengthen the party’s structure.

Olaniyi also emphasized unity among South-West leaders, declaring that the SDP is preparing to deliver “a formidable government” come 2027.