THE Social Democratic Party (SDP) has commended all its candidates in the just concluded Governorship and State House of Assembly elections across the country, saying their doggedness, commitment and dedication to the ideals and principles of the party in the face of the numerous challenges faced in the build-up to the 2019 general elections must be appreciated.
Acting National Chairman of the party, Professor Tunde Adeniran said this in a statement made available to journalists by the Director of Media and Publicity of the party, Honourable Yemi Akinbode.
According to him, “The SDP wishes to express its profound gratitude and appreciation to our candidates across Nigeria for their commitment and dedication to the ideals and philosophy of our great party in the run-up to the 2019 General Elections, despite the challenges and problems created by mischief makers who were sponsored by their paymasters to fictionalise and destabilise the progress of the party; as part of their designs to kill the SDP chances of becoming the real political alternative and third force in the Nigerian polity. We want to thank you for the good fight, steadfastness and devotion to the ideals of the SDP. You went around the whole places with the SDP flag, campaigning day and night, selling the SDP brand to Nigerians. This is a remarkable feat that you have all performed.
“The results and outcome of your elections is not an indication of failure, but a call to all of us to rededicate ourselves to the challenge of building and repositioning the party for future elections.
“We want to express our appreciation to all party faithful and the general public for their love and solidarity for the SDP.
“It was unfortunate that the party found itself in such a precarious situation that made it impossible for us to respond as we would have loved to do. We were aware that the expectations of Nigerians were high when we started the rebuilding process in March 2018. We were determined and resolute. But you could see how crisis can deal a great blow to one’s aspiration,” he added.
Professor Adeniran said the party has commenced the rebuilding and repositioning process ahead of future elections.
“Very soon Nigerians will see what our next moves are. One thing that is clear is that we would restructure the SDP in line with the vision of building a strong, decent and disciplined national political party, that will become the real third force in Nigeria. We would not have space for indiscipline and impunity. All the shenanigans will not be allowed to rear its head again,” he stated.
He also commended the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for the great job they have done, saying as it stands today, INEC has made a remarkable improvement in terms of the conduct of the 2019 General Elections.
“The issue of credibility and fairness of INEC as an election umpire can no longer be in doubt. You can see how opposition party sprang surprises in states and areas where ordinarily, nobody would have given them chances of winning elections. That is the beauty of democracy. We want to commend INEC for this great improvement,” Professor Adeniran said.
He further called on Nigerians, especially the media to support the new government both at the National and State levels.
“Let us rally round the new government, let us support the government so that they can deliver on their promises and plans for the progress and welfare of Nigerians. Yes, we have given them our mandate, so we expect them to redeem their promises to Nigerians. Our understanding and support is key to their success.
“We must ensure we consolidate the gains and benefits of the 2019 general elections in the general interest of our people and progress of our country,” Adeniran concludes.
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