…Commends Osun Indigenes for Voting Their Choice

The National Chairman of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Prof. Sadiq Gombe, has declared that the outcome of the Osun State governorship election has demonstrated that there are no longer “big” or “small” political parties in Nigeria, following the victory of the Accord Party over the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

Speaking with journalists while assessing the election, Gombe commended the people of Osun State for standing firm and electing the candidate of their choice despite what he described as intense efforts by the APC to capture the state.

According to him, the election outcome has shattered the notion that only major political parties can win elections in Nigeria.

“Osun people have taught Nigerians a great lesson. We in the SDP believe we are a standout party that is best suited to rescue Nigeria in 2027,” he said.

“What we are taking away from this election is that there is nothing like a big or small party anymore. On paper, Accord is classified as a small party, yet it defeated the ruling APC because the people were determined and resolute.

“Secondly, the argument that opposition parties must necessarily merge before they can confront the APC does not hold water. What the people need is a candidate with capacity and credibility. They do not care about the size of the political party.”

Gombe, however, maintained that the SDP’s poor performance in the election did not reflect the true strength of the party, citing the prolonged legal battle that delayed its proper participation in the poll.

He explained that the party only secured its place on the ballot a few days before the election after the Court of Appeal ruled in its favour in the leadership dispute that had affected the party.

“We were in court over issues concerning the party’s candidate for the Osun governorship election. It was only a few days before the election that the Court of Appeal ruled in our favour. Even after that, it took time to obtain the Certified True Copy of the judgment before forwarding it to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

“A similar situation occurred during the last Ekiti governorship election. Some of our agents were not even allowed into polling units because of the short notice.

“What happened in Osun does not represent the actual strength of the SDP because many voters had already made up their minds before we were eventually cleared by the court,” he stated.

The SDP chairman also commended INEC and security agencies for their conduct during the election, saying they contributed significantly to ensuring that the people’s will prevailed.

“We accept that INEC and the security agencies did their best in Osun. The people’s will prevailed, and they defended their votes in favour of the incumbent governor.

“Despite all odds, INEC distinguished itself by conducting the election professionally. It shows that if Nigerians are determined to reclaim their country, nothing can stop them.

“From our engagements with the INEC Chairman and his team, they have consistently promised to do the right thing. We will not hesitate to acknowledge and commend them whenever they do so,” he said.

Gombe further urged Nigerians to support the SDP’s presidential candidate, Prince Adewole Adebayo, in the 2027 general election, describing him as the most qualified candidate to lead the country.

“In terms of capacity, knowledge, competence, character, humility and the ability to unite Nigeria, Prince Adewole Adebayo stands out. He possesses the qualities required to lead the country and position Nigeria as a leading nation in Africa.

“Unlike those driven by personal interests, the SDP candidate has the overall interest of the country at heart. Nigerians have nothing to lose by voting for him. Even the APC knows that the SDP is the party to beat in the next election,” he said.

The SDP leader also challenged Nigerians, particularly those in the North and South-East whom he said have borne the brunt of poor governance, to emulate the people of Osun by protecting their votes in future elections.

“If the people of Osun could come out to defend their mandate, then I challenge those in the North and South-East, who have suffered most from bad governance, to do the same.

“We heard reports of vote-buying involving as much as N50,000, yet many voters remained resolute and voted according to their conscience and in the interest of their state,” he said.

Looking ahead to the 2027 general elections, Gombe urged INEC and security agencies to develop strategies that would ensure the same level of efficiency recorded during the Osun governorship election.

“Whatever was achieved in Osun should be studied carefully. We heard that each of the 30 local government areas was supervised by a Police Commissioner. I do not know whether Nigeria has enough commissioners to replicate that arrangement across all 774 local government areas during the general elections.

“As we move closer to 2027, INEC and the security agencies must find practical ways to sustain such success,” he added.

On ongoing discussions about opposition alliances and mergers, Gombe insisted that any effort aimed at defeating the APC must be driven by sincerity, patriotism and selfless commitment to national interest rather than personal ambition.