Politics
2027: SDP Advocates Principles-Based Alliances For Good Governance
As political momentum builds up ahead of 2027 general elections with realignments, alliances, and coalitions taking center stage on the political landscape, the National Secretary of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Dr Olu Agunloye, has counseled that such alliances must be built on sound principles and ideology to achieve sustainable development rather than merely winning elections.
In a detailed analysis titled “The Tikanga for Alliances and Coalitions for Good Governance and Life More Abundant,” made available to news men in Abuja on Monday, Dr. Agunloye traced Nigeria’s history of political coalitions.
While highlighting their successes and failures, he pointed out that past alliances such as the United Progressive Grand Alliance (UPGA) of 1964 and the All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2013 focused primarily on seizing power rather than implementing long-term national development agenda.
He noted that the first alliance in modern Nigeria, UPGA, and its rival, the Nigerian National Alliance (NNA), were both created out of political expediency rather than shared ideology.
He further explained that similarly, the All Progressives Alliance, APC, which merged multiple parties to unseat the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in 2015, lacked a strong ideological foundation, saying that a decade later, Nigeria remained plagued by insecurity, inadequate infrastructure, and economic hardship.
Dr. Agunloye emphasized that the failure of previous coalitions stemmed from their lack of clear policy objectives and structured frameworks.
He pointed to the 2018 Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP) and the 2021 National Consultative Front (NCF) as examples of well-intentioned but ultimately ineffective efforts.
The 36-party CUPP2018 coalition, despite signing a memorandum of understanding to support a joint presidential candidate, did not establish a solid foundation before entering the 2019 elections.
He added that similarly, the NCF, which aimed to create a structured mega-party for the 2023 elections, failed to implement its strategies within the timeframe set by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
While looking ahead to the 2027 elections, Dr. Agunloye urged political stakeholders to move beyond short-term power struggles and adopt a methodical, principle-based approach to coalition-building.
He stressed that alliances should focus on national security, social justice, and economic prosperity rather than personal political ambitions.
He also argued that coalitions should be structured well in advance of elections, with clear frameworks for leadership selection, policy direction, and campaign strategies.
According to him, alliances should welcome individuals and groups committed to national progress rather than merely serving as a refuge for defecting politicians. More importantly, he insisted that a blueprint for governance should be established before seeking electoral victory to avoid the pitfalls of past coalitions.
Dr. Agunloye suggested that the SDP, under its current leadership, possesses the organizational structure necessary for such an alliance, but emphasized that other political platforms could also serve the purpose.
He believes that Nigeria does not need to reinvent the wheel, as lessons from CUPP2018, NCF2021, and other coalition efforts should guide a new grand alliance for 2027—one that is truly committed to national development and the well-being of Nigerians.
“As the country approaches another election cycle, the question remains whether political leaders will heed his advice or repeat the mistakes of the past”, he said.
Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia, has appointed Nigerian music legend, Innocent Idibia, popularly known as TuFace, as his Technical Adviser on Entertainment and Community Outreach.
In a viral video on Wednesday, Governor Alia praised TuFace for all the support towards his administration.
The Governor stated that TuFace can do more.
He stated, “On behalf of the Benue State Government and our very good people, we want to give you some more responsibility plus the ones you have been doing because you have the capacity to do some more and help us chart a way forward to improve other people’s lives and to gain more from your wisdom and advice as well.
“So, I’m pleased to announce that we will make you a Technical Adviser to the Governor on Entertainment and Community Outreach.”
Governor of Delta State, Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori, has officially defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
The announcement was made following a closed-door meeting at the Government House in Asaba on Wednesday.
The Governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Sir Festus Ahon, confirmed the development in a telephone conversation with The Tide’s source.
Similarly, the defection of former Governor Ifeanyi Okowa was announced on Wednesday in Asaba by Senator James Manager, following a meeting that lasted over six hours at the Government House.
Senator Manager said all PDP members in the State, including the Governor, former Governor Okowa, the Speaker, the state party chairman, and all local government chairmen, had agreed to join the APC.
“We cannot continue to be in a sinking boat,” he said.
The decision to defect to the All Progressives Congress (APC) followed extensive consultations with political stakeholders and was made in the interest of Delta State’s long-term development.
Governor Oborevwori, who won the 2023 gubernatorial election on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), was received by senior APC officials in what political analysts are already describing as a strategic realignment with far-reaching implications ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The Conference of Speakers of State Legislatures of Nigeria has condemned the recent wave of killings in Plateau, Borno, Benue, Niger State and most recently, Kwara State, calling on the federal and state governments to take urgent steps to stem the tide.
Chairman, Conference of Speakers of State Legislatures of Nigeria, Adebo Ogundoyin, stated this in a statement issued in Ibadan, Oyo State.
Rt Hon. Ogundoyin, who is the Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, said the gruesome killings had led to tragic loss of lives, widespread displacement, and unimaginable trauma for thousands of Nigerians.
“We are alarmed by the escalating insecurity in the land and the seeming helplessness with which these attacks are met. The time for mere condemnation and rhetoric has passed; urgent and coordinated action is now required at all levels of government to end these bloodbaths and restore peace and order.
“While we acknowledge that defence and national security fall within the exclusive jurisdiction of the Federal Government, we must stress that every level of government bears responsibility for the security and welfare of the people. State governors, in particular, must rise to the occasion and fully understand that governance is not limited to road construction and ceremonial functions. True governance is rooted in the protection of lives, the preservation of order, and the alleviation of suffering,” he said.
He called on state governments to complement the efforts of the Federal Government by making and enforcing enabling laws for community policing and other grassroots-driven security models.
According to him, States must develop proactive frameworks that integrate local intelligence, social support systems, and youth engagement in the fight against insecurity.
The conference also urged the Federal Government to meaningfully engage the citizenry and introduce bold, practical measures to cushion the hardship caused by its current economic policies.
“Millions of Nigerians are groaning under the weight of inflation, unemployment, and a cost-of-living crisis. It is imperative that relief initiatives—targeted, transparent, and impactful—are rolled out without delay. Dialogue, not distance, must define the relationship between the government and its people at this critical time.
“The Conference of Speakers affirms its commitment to supporting all legislative actions necessary to restore security, promote justice, and foster inclusive governance across the country. The killings in Benue, Niger, Plateau, Borno, Kwara, and any part of Nigeria must not be allowed to continue unchecked. Justice must prevail, and peace must be restored.
“Let it be known: the safety, dignity, and well-being of every Nigerian must remain the top priority of all arms and levels of government,” Rt Hon. Ogundoyin said.