Is SDP Waxing Stronger? -By Ibrahim Mustapha Pambegua

It is no understatement, social democracy Party ( SDP),one of the legacy party established by Babangida military government transition to democracy has continued to gather momentum and wax stronger. The party is poising or positioning itself as another strong or vibrant opposition party. Though,its performance as opposition party is not highly noticeable,it has served as platform for political contest and paraded few elected legislative seats.

However,the recent entry of some political gladiators notably: Malam Nasiru Elrufai and other juggernauts has rejigged the party and make it another force to reckon with. Sigh has since been emerged that,SDP will be part of coalition being proposed by the likes of Atiku Abubakar,peter Obi and Elrufai to confront Tinubu and his party in 2027 general elections.

Those who are mooting the idea of coalition are disturbed by the abysmal roles of opposition parties. They blamed the ruling party for sponsoring internal crises in both the PDP and LP. Until the supreme court judgement that sacked Abure as the national chairman of labour party, the party has been battling with internal crises. The people democratic Party,another opposition party, is also struggling to overcome its numerous leadership challenges.

Many Nigerians believe that,opposition parties are in disarray and seemed not fully ready to checkmate the excesses of ruling party, let alone capture power in the next general elections. The emergency of SDP as a third force has rekindled the hopes of opposition politics in the country.

The Social Democratic Party (SDP), has a manifesto that focuses on several key areas: such as social justice. It advocates concerted efforts to improve welfare and social justice.

SDP being centre-left ideology party is positioned to attract young radical intellectuals and socialists to move the country forward. The lofty objectives of the party align with the country desires to be at par with its contemporaries.

Some of the Party’s objectives are:

-Energy: The SDP wants to ensure state supervision of energy supply for industrial and social purposes.

– Rural Development: The party is committed to reducing rural poverty and rural-urban migrations through support for community organizations and development.

– Mining and Petrochemicals: The SDP wants the responsible,control and exploitation of mineral resources.

– Labour and Employment: Labour will be represented in all dealings with working people’s affairs.

– Education: The party will work towards free education programs at all levels.

– Defense: SDP is poised to encourage self-reliance, local production, and setting up local armament industries to enhance security.

-Promoting Democracy: Furthering democratic ideas and providing credible alternatives to Nigerians.

– Fighting Corruption: Combating corruption and upholding the rule of law.

– Unifying Nigerians: Giving voice and action to the aspirations and desires of the Nigerian people in respective of religion or ethnic colouration.

– Gender Sensitivity: Reflecting gender sensitivity and supporting people with disabilities.

However, by looking at these core principles and policy objectives of the party, Nigerians who are grappling with Tinubu’s Bretton Woods bitter pills,will find solace in the SDP’s ideology deeply rooted on economic model that cherish common man. Statistically, in the last one month, SDP has received thousands of decampees from different political parties , indicating its acceptability. Before the 2027 general elections and if the coalition is successfully completed, SDP will become a party to watch. The party is a Noah ark ready to navigate the deep blue sea of multi-facet problems affecting the country. With its well catalogue objectives, SDP will reactive the spirit of late Bashoru mashood Abiola, whose mission is to improve the lives of nigerians in various aspects of human development.

Ibrahim Mustapha Pambegua, Kaduna State. 08169056963.