Former governor of Ekiti State and Chairman, National Convention Planning Committee of the Social Democratic Party, Chief Segun Oni, on Wednesday, said that the Shehu Gabam-led National Working Committee is the recognized leadership of the party and the . Independent National Electoral Commission.
Oni, who is the gubernatorial candidate of the party in the June 18 governorship election in Ekiti State, disclosed this while speaking with newsmen shortly after inaugurating the sub-committees of the convention committee slated for June 8 at the Eagles Square, Abuja.
Oni, who warned Nigerians to be wary of the activities of fraudulent elements impersonating duly elected officials, noted that on the website of INEC are the names of officials legally empowered to run the affairs of the various political parties in the country.
There had been a running battle between Gabam and Supo Shonibare with the latter also laying claim to the national chairmanship of the party.
On what to expect in 2023, Oni said that the party would not transport “our people to a new Nigeria in a rickety vehicle.”
Speaking on whether All Progressives Congress, National Leader, Bola Tinubu would defect to the SDP if he fails to pick his party’s presidential ticket, Oni said, “There are too much speculations already but what I can assure Nigerians is that we will conduct a free, fair and credible primaries. We are open to all Nigerians who believe in our values and beliefs.”
On his part, National Secretary of the party and former Minister of Defence, Dr. Olu Agunloye, promised on behalf of SDP, to conduct the best National Convention ever, saying, “You will see a convention where delegates will vote not according to the dictates of dollars. SDP delegates will vote with their conscience.”
He further called on party members to continue to sensitise Nigerians on the ideals of the party, noting that neither the ruling APC nor the Peoples Democratic Party, has what it takes to make Nigeria take her place among the comity of developed countries.