The Social Democratic Party (SDP) in Oyo State has declared its intention to contest the 2027 governorship election, presenting itself as an alternative to the current administration.
At a stakeholders’ meeting held at the party secretariat in New Bodija, Ibadan, on Monday, the state leadership introduced Mogaji Olusegun Agboola as its governorship candidate.
The state Chairman, Michael Okunlade, said the party was prepared to challenge for power, citing representation from all 33 local government areas as evidence of its grassroots structure.
Okunlade also highlighted the SDP’s longstanding recognition among voters, saying the party had the capacity to mount a strong campaign despite the emergence of newer political platforms.
Addressing stakeholders, Agboola described his decision to contest as a divine calling and a response to what he described as a social contract and civic responsibility.
He said persistent complaints about the state of the country required capable citizens to take action rather than remain passive observers.
Agboola criticised what he termed “pedestrian governance”, arguing that governments should look beyond basic infrastructure projects and focus on building resilient institutions that can serve future generations.
He advocated a systems-thinking approach to governance, contrasting what he described as Nigeria’s institutional weaknesses with the enduring systems established in some countries over centuries.
Education, he said, would be a major focus of his proposed administration, particularly as artificial intelligence and other emerging technologies continue to reshape the global economy.
Agboola said Nigeria needed to reassess the skills and knowledge being taught to young people to ensure that the education system kept pace with technological changes and the evolving labour market.
Drawing from his educational background, he said young Nigerians were being prepared for a rapidly changing future and required curricula designed to promote adaptive thinking and innovation.
Agboola also traced the SDP’s political roots to Nigeria’s progressive movement and the June 12 struggle, noting its historical association with the Abiola family.
He said prominent political figures, including President Bola Tinubu and Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, had been associated with the party’s progressive political tradition.
Referring to recent political developments in the region, Agboola said the resilience demonstrated in recent elections showed that voters were increasingly willing to resist political intimidation.
He urged voters to reject what he described as “stomach infrastructure”, patronage and the imposition of candidates by political elites.
The governorship candidate also cited recent appellate court victories involving the SDP as evidence of the party’s organisational strength and continued relevance in Nigeria’s political landscape.
Agboola expressed confidence in the party’s structures across the state, including local government chairmen, women leaders and youth organisers, saying they were prepared for the 2027 contest.
He said the SDP’s objective was to move Oyo State towards long-term institutional development and innovative governance.