Politics
2027: SDP Advocates Principles-Based Alliances For Good Governance
As political momentum builds up ahead of 2027 general elections with realignments, alliances, and coalitions taking center stage on the political landscape, the National Secretary of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Dr Olu Agunloye, has counseled that such alliances must be built on sound principles and ideology to achieve sustainable development rather than merely winning elections.
In a detailed analysis titled “The Tikanga for Alliances and Coalitions for Good Governance and Life More Abundant,” made available to news men in Abuja on Monday, Dr. Agunloye traced Nigeria’s history of political coalitions.
While highlighting their successes and failures, he pointed out that past alliances such as the United Progressive Grand Alliance (UPGA) of 1964 and the All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2013 focused primarily on seizing power rather than implementing long-term national development agenda.
He noted that the first alliance in modern Nigeria, UPGA, and its rival, the Nigerian National Alliance (NNA), were both created out of political expediency rather than shared ideology.
He further explained that similarly, the All Progressives Alliance, APC, which merged multiple parties to unseat the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in 2015, lacked a strong ideological foundation, saying that a decade later, Nigeria remained plagued by insecurity, inadequate infrastructure, and economic hardship.
Dr. Agunloye emphasized that the failure of previous coalitions stemmed from their lack of clear policy objectives and structured frameworks.
He pointed to the 2018 Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP) and the 2021 National Consultative Front (NCF) as examples of well-intentioned but ultimately ineffective efforts.
The 36-party CUPP2018 coalition, despite signing a memorandum of understanding to support a joint presidential candidate, did not establish a solid foundation before entering the 2019 elections.
He added that similarly, the NCF, which aimed to create a structured mega-party for the 2023 elections, failed to implement its strategies within the timeframe set by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
While looking ahead to the 2027 elections, Dr. Agunloye urged political stakeholders to move beyond short-term power struggles and adopt a methodical, principle-based approach to coalition-building.
He stressed that alliances should focus on national security, social justice, and economic prosperity rather than personal political ambitions.
He also argued that coalitions should be structured well in advance of elections, with clear frameworks for leadership selection, policy direction, and campaign strategies.
According to him, alliances should welcome individuals and groups committed to national progress rather than merely serving as a refuge for defecting politicians. More importantly, he insisted that a blueprint for governance should be established before seeking electoral victory to avoid the pitfalls of past coalitions.
Dr. Agunloye suggested that the SDP, under its current leadership, possesses the organizational structure necessary for such an alliance, but emphasized that other political platforms could also serve the purpose.
He believes that Nigeria does not need to reinvent the wheel, as lessons from CUPP2018, NCF2021, and other coalition efforts should guide a new grand alliance for 2027—one that is truly committed to national development and the well-being of Nigerians.
“As the country approaches another election cycle, the question remains whether political leaders will heed his advice or repeat the mistakes of the past”, he said.
Accordingg to the statement, the Board and National Executive Committee of PANDEF, noted with very grave concern the recent spate of political developments in Rivers State.
“Regrettably, these developments have now degenerated into the decision of the Rivers State House of Assembly to commence impeachment proceedings against the governor and deputy governor.
“This is a deeply disturbing situation that demands urgent attention in order to forestall further escalation and breakdown of law and order.
“This concern is heightened by the critical importance and strategic centrality of Rivers to the Niger Delta region and to the broader socio-political stability and economic wellbeing of Nigeria as a whole”, the statement said.
The Forum called on all parties involved in the resurgent political imbroglio to sheathe their swords and embrace peace.
“This should be guided by the principles of give-and-take, dialogue, tolerance, and political equanimity.
“All stakeholders must place paramount importance on peace, development and the welfare of the people of Rivers.
“We must now focus squarely on good governance and development of the state,” the Forum said.
PANDEF commended President Bola Tinubu, the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC), respected elders of Rivers State, and other well-meaning Nigerians for their previous and ongoing efforts aimed at restoring peace and stability in the state.
Speaking in an interview on Saturday, January 10, Chief Sara-Igbe alleged that the minister had flouted regulations governing the commencement of electioneering campaigns by moving from one local government area to another to galvanise political support.
According to him, the action amounted to a clear breach of electoral guidelines being carried out with a troubling sense of impunity that could undermine the rule of law.
“Wike has violated the electoral laws of campaigning by going from local government to local government to talk to the people. He travelled from one local government to another. As a result of his visits to local government areas, he has broken election regulations and continues to do all these things without fear of repercussions”, Chief Sara-Igbe said.
The remarks came as Chief Wike was set to round off a state-wide “thank-you” tour that covered all 23 local government areas of Rivers State.
Although the minister had described the tour as an appreciation visit following support for President Bola Tinubu in the 2023 general elections, critics say the engagements have assumed an overtly political character.
Observers note that during several stops, including recent visits to Andoni and Bonny local government areas, the minister rallied supporters across party lines under what he termed a “Rainbow Coalition,” a move widely interpreted as part of a broader political strategy.
During these engagements, Chief Wike was also reported to have made remarks perceived as a veiled challenge to the authority of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, while repeatedly referencing the 2027 elections and urging supporters to prepare to “correct the mistake” of 2023.
Chief Sara-Igbe warned that allowing such activities to continue unchecked could erode public confidence in Nigeria’s electoral process and called on relevant authorities to enforce existing laws without fear or favour.
The Commission, in a statement on Wednesday, claimed that there were plans by the same group to escalate a smear campaign against its Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, to frustrate ongoing investigations and prosecutions involving prominent individuals.
The statement endorsed by the agency’s spokesman, Mr Dele Oyewale, claimed that the action was intended to distract the Commission through unfounded allegations of political bias in the discharge of its duties.
The EFCC warned that it would not stand by and watch “those recruited into this ignoble enterprise” or allow any attempt to derail it from “the patriotic task of improving public accountability in Nigeria.”
The Commission made it clear that those recruited into this venture were under close watch, adding that it would not tolerate any attempt to distract it from the patriotic task of improving public accountability in Nigeria.
“The EFCC reiterates its non-political stance in all its activities. Facts on the ground clearly show that any political actor belonging to the ruling party or opposition party, with corruption baggage, has no hiding place from the operational radar and dynamics of the Commission.
“As a matter of fact, several strong members of the ruling and opposition parties are either facing trial before the courts or being investigated by the Commission.
“It is needful that Nigerians appreciate the fact that the Commission is keeping faith with its Establishment Act in all its operations.
“Therefore, the Commission reiterates its commitment to justice, without fear or favour, in the fulfilment of its mandate,” the statement pointed out.
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