By Grant Onyeke
Social Democratic Party (SDP), on Wednesday, inaugurated its National Campaign Council (NCC), with a call for grassroots mobilisation and equal political participation across all communities.
The ​‌‍‍‍⁠⁠‍‍‌​‌‌‍​​‌​SDP presidential candidate, Prince Adewole Adebayo, while inaugurating the campaign council in Abuja, emphasised the importance of safeguarding political tolerance and open competition ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Adebayo rallied the support of all party members and called for an environment where all political ideas could be freely expressed.
He addressed concerns regarding political messaging and billboard restrictions in some states, stressing that maintaining a vibrant democracy required ensuring that every political platform was permitted to share its vision.
He also highlighted the media’s vital role in championing the survival of the nation and protecting an open political space where diverse viewpoints could reach the electorate without hindrance.
The presidential candidate noted that the true battleground for Nigeria’s future did not lie within party secretariats, but inside local communities and grassroots polling units.
He expressed gratitude to governorship candidates and party stakeholders who temporarily left the field to honour the inauguration, commending their dedication to grassroots mobilisation.
Adebayo, while underscoring the party’s institutional strength, noted that SDP had built a unified structure capable of fostering national development.
He highlighted the party’s commitment to gender inclusivity and equity, pointing to a strict 50/50 representation model across party leadership and campaign structures designed to empower women and ensure a balanced governance.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Adebayo, at the occasion, accepted his formal assignment to traverse the country and sell policies centered on security and poverty alleviation, reaffirming his life-long commitment to political integrity.
The SDP National Chairman, Prof. Sadiq Gombe, said the 2027 general elections represented a defining moment in the Nigeria’s political history, as the country grappled with severe challenges, including insecurity, economic hardship and declining public confidence.
According to him, citizens are yearning for a purposeful leadership and social justice.
“Social Democratic Party believes that Nigeria deserves better, and we are determined to offer Nigerians a credible democratic alternative founded on the principles of social justice, equity, freedom, inclusive development and good governance,” he said.
Gombe explained that the newly-unveiled campaign council was designed to harmonise the institutional campaign structures of the party and the presidential candidate into a disciplined, coordinated electoral framework, spanning national, zonal, state, local government, ward and polling unit levels.
“Let me emphasise that our quest for electoral victory must be pursued through lawful, peaceful and democratic means.
“Our campaign must be issue-based, people-centred and firmly rooted in the provisions of the Constitution of the FRN, the Electoral Act, INEC Guidelines and our party constitution,” he said.
Gombe highlighted the party’s pioneering communication strategy, revealing that its manifesto had been translated into major spoken languages and produced in audio versions transmitted across 109 radio stations and covering all senatorial districts to ensure accessibility.
He urged candidates across all levels to view the campaign structure as a platform for mutual support and collaboration rather than internal competition, noting that the ambitions must complement one another.
The national chairman charged members of the council to approach their assignments with patriotism, discipline and integrity.
“History does not reward those who merely recognise the need for change; it rewards those who organise, prepare and work diligently to make change possible,” he stated.
Gombe called on members to start discharging their responsibilities immediately in order to foster democratic renewal and secure electoral victory for the party.(NAN)

Edited by ‘Wale Sadeeq