Osun poll shows opposition needs single candidate to defeat Tinubu – SDP

The National Chairman of the Social Democratic Party, Prof Sadiq Gombe, has emphasized the necessity for opposition parties to unite behind a single presidential candidate in order to challenge the APC in the 2027 general election. This revelation came during a press conference at the party's secretariat in Abuja, where Gombe highlighted the outcome of the Osun State governorship election as evidence of the potential impact of a unified opposition.

Despite facing pressure and intimidation, the incumbent governor, Ademola Adeleke, secured victory against his closest rival, Bola Oyebamiji, with Adeleke garnering 403,371 votes compared to Oyebamiji's 394,684. Gombe clarified that the SDP's underperformance in the election was not reflective of the party's true strength or acceptability, attributing the issue to legal battles surrounding their governorship candidate and the late recognition by the Independent National Electoral Commission.

The most crucial lesson, according to Gombe, is that if all opposition parties rally behind a common candidate, they could pose a significant challenge to the APC. He expressed confidence in the SDP's presidential candidate, Prince Adewole Adebayo, stating that the party possesses the necessary leadership qualities to defeat the ruling party in 2027.

Gombe's call for opposition unity echoes a growing movement among political figures to present a cohesive front against President Bola Tinubu and the APC ahead of the 2027 presidential election.