The Social Democratic Party will hold its National Convention in Abuja on Wednesday to elect its presidential candidate for the 2027 general election.
The party’s sole aspirant, Hon. Abimbola Atanda from Oyo State, was screened and cleared by the SDP Screening Committee on Tuesday, committee chairman Dr. Okechukwu Ogbonna said in Abuja.
Ogbonna said arrangements for the convention at the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre were complete, and that security agencies and the Independent National Electoral Commission had been briefed in line with the 2026 Electoral Act.
“The Committee had thoroughly gone through the credentials and documents brought before the party and found him qualified for the presidency in all ramifications,” Ogbonna said.
Speaking after the screening, Atanda said he was prepared for the role and outlined plans to tackle insecurity through a national database and stronger community policing.
He cited the U.S., U.K., and France as examples, arguing that security improves when communities and law enforcement work closely and can track offenders across states.
“For example, if someone committed a crime in Ibadan and later moved to Lagos to repeat the same offence, authorities would already have access to the individual’s criminal history,” he said.
Atanda said such a system would improve security and encourage accountability by making criminal records a factor in employment and public trust.
The SDP pegged its presidential nomination form at ₦75 million — ₦15 million for the Expression of Interest and ₦60 million for the Nomination form. Female aspirants and youths receive a 50% discount.
Wizkid, Tems, Burna Boy, Asake earn 2026 BET nominations
Atanda said his decision to run was inspired by French President Emmanuel Macron’s 2017 campaign against older, more experienced opponents. “Leadership is not about age or power but about ideas, vision, and what one can offer the people,” he said.
He added that he respects leaders and elders across political parties.
Stay ahead with the latest updates! Join The ConclaveNG on WhatsApp and Telegram for real-time news alerts, breaking stories, and exclusive content delivered straight to your phone. Don’t miss a headline — subscribe now!
