SDP denies submitting 2027 Presidential candidate’s name to INEC

The leadership of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) has dismissed reports claiming that it submitted the name of its presidential candidate for the 2027 general elections to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), describing the information as false and misleading.

In a statement issued on Monday and made available to newsmen by Mr Lawal Ibrahim, Special Adviser on Media to the Executive National Chairman of the party, Alhaji Shehu Musa Gabam, the party said it had yet to conduct any process for the emergence of its presidential candidate and, therefore, could not have forwarded any name to INEC.

The SDP described reports of a purported national convention held in Bauchi State, where a candidate was allegedly produced, as an “illegal gathering” organised by “desperate politicians” bent on causing confusion and disorder within the party.

According to the statement, “The attention of our great party, the Social Democratic Party (SDP), has been drawn to a misleading and fake report suggesting that the party has submitted the name of its presidential candidate in the upcoming 2027 general election to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) after a kangaroo national convention reportedly held in Bauchi State.

“This is a false and calculated attempt to mislead our party members nationwide and the general public.”

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The party maintained that the Electoral Act 2026 clearly spells out the procedures for the emergence of party candidates, insisting that no such process had been concluded by the SDP.

The statement further affirmed that, based on INEC records and a judgment of the Court of Appeal, Abuja Division, Alhaji Shehu Musa Gabam remains the authentic National Chairman of the party.

It added that Gabam was already putting in place the necessary machinery for congresses and a national convention that would eventually produce the party’s presidential candidate for the 2027 polls under the supervision of INEC.

The SDP said it remained committed to democratic principles and credible electoral processes ahead of the next general elections.

The party also called on security agencies to investigate and caution those allegedly behind the circulation of the false report, accusing them of engaging in activities capable of causing public disorder and political tension.