National Chairman of Social Democratic Party (SDP), Sadiq Gombe, has said the party’s doors remain open to eligible aspirants seeking elective offices ahead of the 2027 general elections.

At a news conference in Abuja on Thursday, Mr Gombe said the party’s primaries would be guided by justice, fairness, transparency, and socio-democratic principles to ensure credible and inclusive contests.

Mr Gombe confirmed that two party stalwarts had already declared interest in the presidential ticket, noting that more Nigerians were welcome to participate without restriction or discrimination.

He dismissed claims that the party had any link to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), adding that SDP remained a vigilant opposition, consistently criticising poor governance and harmful policies.

He reiterated the party’s opposition to the Federal Government’s loan requests, noting that previous borrowings had failed to deliver projects, especially in critical infrastructure.

The chairman highlighted an increase in the party’s membership, raising from defections by politicians, including former governors and lawmakers, while confirming engagement with socio-political groups like Afenifere, ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Also speaking, the party’s Deputy National Chairman, South, Ugochukwu Uba, urged Nigerians to study the SDP manifesto, promising a decisive break from past practices and a commitment to transparency and accountability.

Earlier, the National Publicity Secretary, Rufus Aiyenigba, warned of rising insecurity and criticised government borrowing, and called for accountability for loans and recovered public funds.

Mr Aiyenigba said that SDP had been positioned as a credible alternative, urging Nigerians to prioritise competence, character and leadership quality ahead of the 2027 general elections.

(NAN)