The Oyo State chapter of the Social Democratic Party, SDP, has cautioned one of its governorship aspirants and Baameko of Ibadanland, Chief Saheed Oladele, to desist from presenting himself as the party’s candidate for the 2027 governorship election.
The party issued the warning at a meeting attended by the state executives, local government and zonal leaders held in Ibadan on Monday, where members were updated on the ongoing upload of the party’s candidates to the Independent National Electoral Commission’s portal ahead of the coming general elections.
Addressing newsmen after the meeting, the SDP Chairman in the state, Michael Okunlade, said Oladele attended the meeting purposely to apologise to party members over what he termed previous misunderstandings.
“Baameko came to apologise to the party, and everybody saw it. His apology was accepted by party members. However, a motion was moved that he should stop parading himself as the gubernatorial candidate,” Okunlade said.
“He is an aspirant, and the decision of the party will be communicated to him. For now, he is not our candidate and is not recognised as such. That is the resolution reached today.”
Okunlade, who is also one of the party’s governorship aspirants, further warned Oladele against granting media interviews or featuring on podcasts that could undermine the integrity of the SDP.
According to him, the party remains open to all interested aspirants and will determine its flagbearer through due internal processes.
The chairman disclosed that the SDP had successfully uploaded the names of its three senatorial candidates, 14 House of Representatives candidates, as well as its presidential candidate to the INEC portal.
He added that the upload of governorship and state House of Assembly candidates is scheduled for next week.
Okunlade noted that the party currently has more than one governorship aspirant, including an Ibadan Mogaji, Oloye Olusegun Agboola, stressing that the party reserves the right to consider any qualified aspirant.
Speaking on the party’s prospects, Okunlade described the SDP as a credible alternative for Nigerians and urged more people to join.
“We welcome everybody to join the party. We welcome anyone with political aspirations, and we can assure them that their aspirations will be protected. SDP remains the credible alternative for Nigerians,” he said.
Earlier in his remarks, Oladele apologized to party leaders and members for actions that may have caused misunderstanding within the SDP, expressing hope that the party would remain united and emerge stronger ahead of the 2027 elections.
