By Our Correspondent

National News – Adewole Adebayo has again emerged as the presidential candidate of the Social Democratic Party ahead of the 2027 general election.

The former SDP flagbearer was adopted through a consensus arrangement during the party’s national convention held in Bauchi on Saturday, where delegates and party leaders endorsed him for another presidential run.

The convention also produced a new National Working Committee, with Sadiq Gombe emerging as the party’s National Chairman.

Party officials said the gathering marked the beginning of the SDP’s preparations for the 2027 presidential election and reaffirmed the party’s commitment to building a stronger opposition platform.

Speaking after his adoption, Adebayo criticised Nigeria’s economic situation, saying many hardworking citizens were being pushed into hardship by government policies.

He noted that rising living costs, unpaid school fees, poor healthcare access and unemployment had forced some Nigerians abroad into difficult conditions despite having opportunities in their homeland.

The SDP candidate also warned against what he described as poor leadership and attempts to weaken opposition politics in the country.

According to him, Nigeria needs a strong multi-party democracy where citizens can freely choose leaders capable of improving governance and reducing poverty.

Meanwhile, Gombe pledged transparent leadership and promised that the SDP would provide Nigerians with a credible alternative ahead of the next election cycle.

He thanked delegates for their confidence and vowed to uphold the party’s constitution while promoting accountability and national development.

Chairman of the convention committee, Usman Bugaje, blamed insecurity, poverty, high fuel prices and unemployment on poor governance.

He accused the ruling party of attempting to shrink the political space while urging Nigerians to support a people-driven coalition focused on economic recovery and social justice.