Mulikat Akande-Adeola, former Majority Leader of the House of Representatives and leader of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) in the South-West, has revealed the party’s plan to back a presidential candidate who will genuinely respond to the people’s needs.
She made the statement during an Iftar hosted by the party’s Oyo State Chapter for stakeholders across Ibadanland’s 11 local governments.
The event was held on Friday at the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) Hall, Samonda, in Ibadan, the capital of Oyo State.
Akande-Adeola expressed deep concern over the widespread suffering of Nigerians, urging party members to ensure their membership is properly registered at the ward, local government, and state levels.
The former representative for Ogbomoso North/South and Orire Federal Constituency (2007-2015) emphasized that the SDP will only present tested and trusted candidates for the 2027 general elections.
“We will select only credible candidates who have integrity. The people are suffering, and we need leaders with impeccable character, those who are dependable and will serve the people, not themselves,” she stated.
She also emphasized that the SDP is committed to supporting a presidential candidate who will truly listen to the people’s concerns.
“Those with ulterior motives will not succeed in our party,” she said, highlighting that only individuals who can be trusted to serve the public will be considered.
Akande-Adeola urged party members to stay loyal and focused to ensure the party’s success in the upcoming elections. “This is not about me; I am not running for any office anymore. It’s about the greater good of the people in this state,” she said.
Reflecting on her past experience, she recalled, “While we worked for Governor Seyi Makinde, he worked against me, which felt like a total betrayal.”
Speaking on the defection of former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai to the SDP, Akande-Adeola stated, “Politics is about numbers. Anyone wishing to join the SDP must adhere to the party’s rules and not try to hijack it from those who have been loyal to it.”
The state chairman of the SDP, Michael Okunlade, also encouraged members to ensure their membership is up to date and highlighted that the Iftar event was organized to bring members together during Ramadan and to discuss how to move the party forward.
Prominent attendees included representatives from the “Major is Coming 2027” group, led by Ezekiel Akintola, supporters of Major Hamza Al-Mustapha’s presidential bid, Femi Ferrari, the SDP Chairman in Lagos State, and leaders of the National Liberation Movement led by Suleiman Oyediran.
