The Social Democratic Party (SDP) has begun screening Prince Adewole Adebayo and other presidential hopefuls ahead of its national convention, which will decide the party’s ticket for the 2027 general election. The screening, announced by National Chairman Professor Sadiq Gombe in Abuja on Wednesday, is part of a broader preparation to field a candidate capable of challenging incumbent President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who is seeking re‑election on the All Progressives Congress (APC) platform.
Gombe said the party has undertaken “extensive preparations” for the convention, establishing more than four committees to oversee the process. “We have set up over four committees, including the Screening Committee, Electoral Committee, Convention Committee, and several sub‑committees, each with clearly defined responsibilities to ensure a credible exercise,” he explained.
The screening will be conducted at the SDP’s conference hall within its National Secretariat, the party’s registered office with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). According to Gombe, the exercise will encompass all aspirants seeking elective offices, ranging from the presidency and governorships in the 36 states to seats in the National Assembly and State Houses of Assembly.
The party expressed confidence in the competence and integrity of the committee members, emphasizing that they are expected to perform their duties with diligence, fairness and transparency. “We have confidence in the competence and integrity of the committee members. They must carry out their responsibilities with diligence, fairness, and transparency,” Gombe added.
Air Vice Marshal Sadiq Abubakar Lima, who chairs the Screening Committee, reinforced the need for strict adherence to party rules. “Despite our different levels of familiarity, we must approach this assignment with diligence and integrity,” Lima said, urging all participants to comply fully with the established procedures.
The SDP’s move comes as opposition parties intensify internal preparations for the 2027 polls, seeking to present unified tickets capable of contesting the APC’s dominance. By formalising the screening of aspirants now, the SDP aims to resolve internal competition early and present a coherent platform to voters.
The outcomes of the screening and subsequent convention will shape the SDP’s strategy for the upcoming election cycle. The party is expected to announce its final presidential candidate and other nominees in the weeks following the convention, positioning itself for the national campaign that will begin later in the year.
