SDP Stands Firm, Rejects Exit Rumours Ahead of Ekiti Poll

The Social Democratic Party (SDP) has dismissed reports claiming it has withdrawn from the Ekiti State governorship election scheduled for Saturday, maintaining that its candidate remains actively in the race.

In a statement issued by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Araba Rufus Aiyenigba, the SDP described the withdrawal report as false, fabricated, and allegedly orchestrated by political opponents to mislead voters.
The party reaffirmed that its governorship candidate, Ambassador Isaac Adebayo Alade, remains the duly nominated candidate recognized by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). It noted that his participation in the signing of the INEC Peace Accord further confirms his place on the ballot.
According to the SDP, the withdrawal rumour was spread by impostors and political agents allegedly acting in the interest of the ruling APC, with the intention of creating confusion ahead of the election.
The party also accused INEC of hindering its participation by failing to open its portal for the upload of the party’s polling unit agents, despite issuing access codes to the party’s national secretariat.
Describing the situation as a serious threat to the credibility of the election, the SDP warned that preventing a major opposition party from deploying polling agents amounts to disenfranchisement and raises questions about the transparency of the electoral process.
The party insisted that it will fully participate in the election and urged its supporters across Ekiti State to disregard what it called false information and remain committed to the democratic process.
The SDP further stated that it remains a credible alternative for good governance and sustainable development in Ekiti State, while reaffirming its commitment to advocating for free, fair, and credible elections across Nigeria.