It is no understatement that the Social Democracy Patty (SDP), one of the legacy parties established by the General Ibrahim Babangida military government, has continued to gather momentum. The party is poising or positioning itself as another strong or vibrant opposition party.
Though, its performance as an opposition party is not highly noticeable it has served as a platform for political contest and paraded few elected legislative seats. However, the recent entry of some political gladiators, notably, Malam Nasiru El-Rufai and other juggernauts has rejigged the party and make it another force to reckon with.
Signs are that the SDP will be part of the coalition being proposed by the likes of Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi and El-Rufai to confront President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and his party, the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2027 general elections. Those who are mooting the idea of a coalition are disturbed by the abysmal roles of opposition parties.
They accuse the ruling APC of sponsoring internal crises in both the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Labour Party (LP). Until the Supreme Court judgement that sacked Abure as the national chairman of Labour Party, the party had been battling with internal crises. The PDP, another opposition party, is also struggling to overcome its numerous leadership challenges.
Many Nigerians believe that opposition parties are in disarray and seem not fully ready to checkmate the ruling party, let alone capture power in the next general elections. Thus, the emergence of the SDP as a third force has rekindled the hope of opposition politics in the country.
The SDP manifesto focuses on several key areas including as social justice. It advocates concerted efforts to improve welfare and social justice. SDP being a centre-left ideology party is positioned to attract young radical intellectuals and socialists to move the country forward. The lofty objectives of the party align with the country’s desire to be at par with its contemporaries.
Some of the party’s objectives are:
Energy: The SDP wants to ensure state supervision of energy supply for industrial and social purposes.
Rural Development: The party is committed to reducing rural poverty and rural-urban migrations through support for community organisations and development.
Mining and Petrochemicals: The SDP wants the responsible control and exploitation of mineral resources.
Labour and Employment: Labour will be represented in all dealings with working people’s affairs.
Education: The party will work towards free education programs at all levels.
Defense: SDP is poised to encourage self-reliance, local production, and setting up local armament industries to enhance security.
Promoting Democracy: Furthering democratic ideas and providing credible alternatives to Nigerians.
Fighting Corruption: Combating corruption and upholding the rule of law.
Unifying Nigerians: Giving voice and action to the aspirations and desires of the Nigerian people in respective of religion or ethnic colouration.
Gender Sensitivity: Reflecting gender sensitivity and supporting people with disabilities.
Statistically, in the last one month the SDP has received thousands of decampees from different political parties, indicating its acceptability. Before the 2027 general elections and if the coalition is successfully completed, the SDP may become a party to watch.