2027: SDP, IPAC Open Up on Meeting With Tinubu

Leaders of the Social Democratic Party and the Inter-Party Advisory Council have explained why they recently held a private meeting with President Bola Tinubu at the Presidential Villa in Abuja. The clarification was given on Friday during a gathering in Abuja hosted by Adewole Adebayo, the SDP’s former presidential candidate.

According to party officials, the meeting focused on discussions about Nigeria’s democratic process and preparations for the 2027 general elections.

The meeting between the political leaders and the president took place earlier in the week after an invitation from the presidency. It occurred during an Iftar dinner attended by leaders of several opposition parties. The engagement later sparked discussions and questions among political observers about the purpose of the visit.

Speaking at the event, the National Chairman of the SDP, Sadiq Gombe, said the party leaders used the opportunity to speak with the president about the need for improvements in the country’s electoral system. The discussion lasted about one hour and centred on how to build public confidence in elections and ensure that future polls are free and fair.

Gombe explained that political leaders used the meeting to remind the government of the importance of strengthening electoral laws ahead of the next election cycle.

According to him, democracy depends on the participation of citizens and the credibility of elections. He said the government must listen to the concerns of Nigerians and ensure that the electoral process produces leaders in a transparent manner.

He also expressed worry about the low voter turnout recorded during a recent election in the Federal Capital Territory.

According to him, the small number of people who participated in the poll suggests that many Nigerians are losing trust in the electoral system. He added that steps must be taken to restore confidence so that more citizens will participate in future elections.

The National Chairman of IPAC, Yusuf Dantalle, also spoke about the meeting with the president. He said party leaders discussed issues relating to proposed electoral reforms. Among the matters raised were the use of indirect primaries by political parties and the requirement for electronic transmission of election results.

Dantalle explained that the council appealed to the president to use his position to encourage discussions on these issues, especially with members of the National Assembly who are responsible for making changes to electoral laws.

He also called on the Independent National Electoral Commission to ensure that it follows electoral guidelines properly as the country moves closer to the next general election.

Adewole Adebayo, who hosted the gathering, also addressed those present and advised political actors to avoid turning the 2027 elections into a conflict-driven contest.

He said the democratic process should focus on the progress of the country rather than personal political victories. According to him, the goal of elections should be to improve governance and encourage greater participation from citizens.

During the event, the Chairman of the SDP State Chairmen Forum, Femi Olaniyi, congratulated Sadiq Gombe on his confirmation as the party’s national chairman after a Supreme Court decision.

The party’s National Executive Committee had earlier approved his appointment. Olaniyi also called on members across the country to continue mobilising support for the party and to strengthen its activities ahead of future elections.