SDP Won’t Allow Candidates to Be Pressured Into Withdrawal, Says Oyo Chairman, As Agboola Meets Party Candidates
The Social Democratic Party (SDP) in Oyo State has assured its candidates for the 2027 general elections that it will protect their p2olitical ambitions against pressure to withdraw from the race in favour of candidates of other parties.
The state chairman of the party, Hon. Michael Okunlola, gave the assurance on Thursday during a meeting with the party’s candidates at the SDP secretariat in Aree, Ibadan, where he urged them to intensify grassroots mobilisation and remain committed to their respective electoral contests.
Okunlola said the party remained determined to support its candidates as they prepare for the elections, stressing the need for unity, resilience and sustained engagement with voters across the state.
The meeting, which was attended by the party’s governorship, senatorial, House of Representatives and House of Assembly candidates, was convened to strengthen internal coordination and develop a common approach towards the 2027 polls.
Speaking at the meeting, the SDP governorship candidate in Oyo State, Mogaji Olusegun Agboola, challenged the candidates to work collectively to change the party’s electoral fortunes and establish it as a credible alternative to voters.
Agboola urged the candidates not to approach the forthcoming elections with the mindset that the party could abandon the contest at the last minute, but to remain focused on winning their respective seats.
He specifically cautioned against entertaining expectations of stepping down for candidates of other political parties, insisting that the SDP must demonstrate the determination to compete across the state.
According to him, the party’s future electoral relevance depends on its ability to build a strong organisational structure, maintain unity among its candidates and establish a meaningful connection with voters at the grassroots.
He maintained that the 2027 elections presented an opportunity for the SDP to change public perceptions about its participation in elections in Oyo State and demonstrate its capacity to compete effectively.
The governorship candidate further called for coordinated campaign strategies and stronger cooperation among candidates at all levels, noting that their individual ambitions should contribute to the overall growth and electoral success of the party.
He urged them to sustain their mobilisation efforts and approach the elections with confidence in their ability to secure victory.
In his remarks, Okunlola commended the candidates for their commitment to the party and encouraged them to strengthen their engagement with constituents in their respective senatorial districts, federal constituencies and state constituencies.
He reiterated the party leadership’s commitment to supporting their aspirations and urged them to remain united as preparations for the 2027 general elections gather momentum.
The chairman also stressed the importance of sustained grassroots campaigns, saying the party’s ability to expand its political base would depend largely on the commitment of its candidates and members to mobilising support across the state.
The meeting formed part of the SDP’s efforts to improve internal coordination, strengthen its electoral structures and prepare its candidates for the 2027 general elections.
