Get Guardian on Google…Gombe accuses APC of plotting to infiltrate opposition
The Social Democratic Party (SDP) has rejected any involvement in what it described as the All Progressives Congress (APC)‘s alleged “rainbow coalition”, accusing the ruling party of attempting to infiltrate opposition parties and weaken their structures ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The party also disclosed plans to collaborate with other opposition parties to protect votes through joint training of polling agents and the establishment of common election-monitoring situation rooms across the country.
National Chairman of the SDP, Prof. Sadiq Umar Abubakar Gombe, disclosed this on Thursday in Abuja during an engagement with nine governorship candidates from different states.
He said the meeting was organised to harmonise strategies, share experiences and strengthen the party’s preparations for the presidential, governorship and legislative elections.
Gombe said the SDP was fully prepared for the elections and would not support any attempt to postpone the polls.
“We are not part of any attempt whatsoever to shift the elections for whatever reason. We are ready, and we have been preparing. We are doing everything possible to win the election at the national level and in most states of the federation,” he said.
He identified Prince Dr Adewale Adebayo and Dr Usman Bugaje as the party’s presidential and vice-presidential candidates, respectively.
According to him, the SDP intends to present Nigerians with candidates whose leadership credentials are anchored on capacity, competence, character and patriotism.
On the alleged rainbow coalition, Gombe accused the APC of seeking to infiltrate opposition parties under the guise of political collaboration.
He claimed that the ruling party was exploring ways to draw opposition members into the arrangement to weaken their political structures.
The SDP chairman, however, insisted that his party would not participate in the alleged scheme.
He said the party remained committed to working with other opposition groups to build a coordinated platform for protecting the country’s democratic process.
“We don’t have anything to do with the so-called rainbow coalition. SDP is with other political parties in the opposition, doing everything possible towards the rescue of our dear country through a coalition of the Nigerian people,” he said.
Gombe explained that the proposed opposition collaboration would involve joint training of polling agents, shared situation rooms and coordinated monitoring of elections.
He said the arrangement would strengthen the capacity of opposition parties to monitor activities at polling units and safeguard the integrity of election results.
He also warned that the SDP would invoke its disciplinary procedures against any member who entered into unauthorised political arrangements capable of compromising the party’s interests.
The chairman further criticised the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), alleging that the commission had refused to publish the names of some SDP candidates despite the party’s claim that it complied with the relevant nomination requirements.
He said the matter was already before the courts, insisting that political parties must be allowed to conduct their internal affairs in accordance with the law.
Gombe also condemned what he described as attempts to disqualify the African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar.
He argued that opposition parties should be allowed to nominate candidates and participate in elections without undue interference.
The SDP chairman called on the judiciary, security agencies and INEC to demonstrate neutrality and professionalism before and during the elections.
He also raised concerns about the voters’ register and the creation of polling units, warning that any irregularities capable of undermining electoral credibility must be addressed.
Earlier, Chairman of the SDP Governorship Candidates Forum and Nasarawa State governorship candidate, HE Mohammed Abubakar Adamu, said the meeting was aimed at strengthening coordination among candidates and developing strategies for the forthcoming elections.
Adamu said the candidates would exchange experiences from their respective states, identify organisational gaps and develop approaches to improve the party’s electoral preparedness.
He stressed that the party’s strategy must cover all levels of the elections, from the presidential contest to the National Assembly, governorship and State Assembly polls.
He also attributed growing public dissatisfaction to economic hardship and what he described as the neglect of ordinary Nigerians, saying the SDP would focus on addressing issues affecting people’s livelihoods.
The nine candidates at the meeting included Adamu; HE Mogaji Olusegun Agboola (Oyo); HE Prof. Sebastine T. Hon, SAN (Benue); HE Mohammed Ndarani Mohammed, SAN (Niger); and HE Christopher Nathaniel (Adamawa).
Others were HE Dr Simple E. Dafup (Plateau); HE Ibrahim Saminu Mai Bushira (Kano); HE Adam Mohammed Ma’aji (Gombe); and HE Engr. Ayuba Dauda Katagun (Bauchi).
The meeting comes as political parties intensify preparations for the 2027 general elections, with the SDP leadership insisting that it would strengthen its structures, deepen opposition cooperation and resist any action it considers capable of undermining multiparty democracy.
