The Social Democratic Party (SDP) has expressed strong optimism about unseating President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the upcoming 2027 general elections, describing itself as the new political "bride" of the Nigerian people.

This declaration was made by Abubakar Dogara, the SDP's National Vice Chairman for the North Central Zone, during the party's North-Central Zonal Caucus meeting held on Thursday in Nasarawa State.

According to Dogara, the party is making strategic moves to expand its membership base nationwide through ongoing registration drives and regular meetings across various levels of the party structure.

"We are organizing meetings from the zonal and national levels down to the wards, states, and local governments," he said. "It's part of the preparation, and we have been registering new members across the country every now and then."

Dogara highlighted the high demand for party membership, noting that "our membership card has always been exhausted at the state level." He commended key party figures such as Hon. Jonathan Gaza, Prince Adewale Adebayo, and Hon. Femi Olaniyi Ferrari for their instrumental roles in advancing the party's progress in the North Central region.

Party Structure and Integrity

One of the key resolutions reached at the meeting was to safeguard the party's structure and protect its members from external influences that might undermine its integrity. Dogara urged Nigerians to support the SDP and its candidates, positioning the party as a viable alternative to the current administration.

"SDP is now the alternative party in Nigeria," he emphasized. "We are calling on all Nigerians to join the movement and register from the ward level up to the national level, in accordance with the party's constitution."

He added that the party's focus on welfare, interests, and security of the people distinguishes it from those currently in power, accusing the ruling party of failing to uphold constitutional provisions that protect citizens' rights.

Prospects in Benue State

Idoko Idoto, Chairman of the SDP in Benue State, expressed strong optimism about the party's prospects in the state and beyond, stating that "SDP has a 100% chance in Benue State."

"We've governed here before and have consistently fielded credible candidates. Come 2027, we are coming with full force. We will take over Benue State, all senatorial districts, and make a strong showing in the House of Representatives and State Assembly," Idoto declared.

As the political landscape continues to evolve ahead of the 2027 elections, the SDP's ambitious claims and strategic preparations signal increasing competition in Nigeria's political arena, potentially challenging the dominance of the two major parties that have largely controlled national politics since the return to democracy.