2027: Oyo SDP changes gov candidate, rules out political negotiation
Social Democratic Party Names New Candidate for Oyo Governorship Race
By Adeola Badru
The Social Democratic Party (SDP) in Oyo State has officially replaced its governorship candidate for the 2027 elections. During a substitution plenary held in Ibadan on Tuesday, the party endorsed Mogaji Olusegun Agboola as its new standard-bearer, succeeding Michael Okunlade. The party emphasized that its ticket is not available for political negotiations, reinforcing its commitment to challenge the dominant political parties in the state.
The leadership of SDP articulated that this change marks a significant step in its strategy to not only participate in the upcoming election but also to enhance its political power to secure victory. Agboola, addressing reporters following his nomination, asserted that the party’s focus is on winning the governorship election and implementing innovative governance strategies.
He criticized what he termed “pedestrian thinking” in governance, advocating for a shift towards “system-based thinking” to address the evolving needs of Oyo State. Agboola expressed that the state must move beyond traditional methods of governance and embrace new ideas.
“If elected, my administration will prioritize the development of our people and build systems designed to convert our human and material resources into sustainable economic opportunities,” Agboola said. He emphasized the necessity for policies that empower residents with the skills needed to actively contribute to the state’s economy.
Furthermore, he dismissed any notions that the SDP’s governorship ticket would serve as a bargaining chip in political negotiations. “The SDP is here to stay, and our goal is to govern this state based on merit and our own capabilities,” he stated. Agboola also expressed his readiness to engage other candidates in debates regarding their policy proposals, signaling confidence in the party’s platforms.
Regarding internal party dynamics, Agboola indicated he would adopt an open-door policy to reconcile any dissatisfied members, urging them to return to the party. “Anyone who is aggrieved, the door is open. Come back home. The SDP is the home of true democrats and progressives,” he remarked.
Okunlade, the outgoing candidate, characterized Agboola’s selection as a pivotal moment for the SDP and congratulated him on his new position. He praised party members for their professionalism during the transition and acknowledged the role of the Independent National Electoral Commission and security agencies in overseeing the process.
Okunlade called on the party to enhance its visibility across all 33 local government areas of the state and urged Agboola to work towards achieving electoral success in 2027. He asserted, “We want victory, not negotiation. We want commitment, not abandonment. We want unity, not division.”
Concerns about candidate commitment to party structures were highlighted by Okunlade. He stressed that candidates must maintain their ties to the party to ensure collective success in the upcoming elections. Additionally, he addressed allegations from another governorship aspirant regarding the substitution process and mentioned his intent to pursue legal action if false statements were made against him.
The SDP leadership has tasked Agboola with reinforcing the party’s structures, reconciling its members, and effectively communicating its message to all areas of Oyo State as part of its preparations for the 2027 governorship election.
