— Says State Publicity Secretary during interview at House of Assembly aspirant declaration
The Oyo State chapter of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) has reaffirmed that the party remains united and free of any leadership crisis or legal disputes, describing reports of internal division as mere speculation.
This clarification was made by the State Publicity Secretary of the party, Hon. Olatunde Adebayo, during a personal interview conducted by 9ja News 24/7 at the declaration ceremony of a House of Assembly aspirant, Hon. Arafat Abiodun Adedeji, in Oyo State.
Speaking at the event, Adebayo commended the courage of the aspirant, urging youths and women to emulate her decision to join active politics and contribute to national development.
He said the emergence of the aspirant reflects a bold step towards democratic participation and a rejection of what he described as a “one-party dominance tendency” in the political space.
“I just want to encourage the youth out there, most especially the women, to follow a good step of this our amiable aspirant, Honorable Arafat Abiodun Adedeji. She took a bold step by coming out to contest despite the challenges that we are facing in this nation,” he said.
According to him, the SDP remains committed to what he described as the rescue mission for Nigeria ahead of the 2027 general elections, stressing that the party continues to build on its historical legacy.
“This is a party that is ready to rescue Nigeria come 2027 election, Social Democratic Party. The oldest and consistent party is the Social Democratic Party. Come 2027, SDP is bringing back the glory of M.K.O. Abiola 1993,” Adebayo added.
On the structure and unity of the party, Adebayo emphasized that SDP has a clear and stable leadership from the national to state level, dismissing claims of factionalization.
He stated that the party operates under the leadership of the State Chairman, Hon. Michael Okunlade, and national figures including Hon. Alhaja Mulikat Akande-Adeola, former Majority Leader of the House of Representatives, as well as the National Chairman, Alhaji Shehu Gabam, and National Secretary, Hon. Olu Agunloye.
“SDP is one. There is no faction. If there is any rumor or speculation going out, they are just speculations. SDP is one as we have one Nigeria,” he declared.
The event, which marked the official declaration of Hon. Arafat Abiodun Adedeji for the Oyo State House of Assembly race, attracted party stakeholders, supporters, and youth groups who expressed optimism about the party’s growing influence in the state.
Report by Taiwo Olusegun
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