Goke Omigbodun, Toyin Falade, Dr. Akintola Najmud-deen Akinjide and Hon. Ayoade Raimi Baale among candidates to fly SDP flags

Afenifere-Backed SDP Candidates Emerge as Torchbearers for Oyo and Osun in 2027 Elections

Goke Omigbodun, Toyin Falade, Dr. Akintola Najmud-deen Akinjide and Hon. Ayoade Raimi Baale among candidates to fly SDP flags

The Social Democratic Party (SDP) is strengthening its political structure in the South West ahead of the 2027 general elections, with prominent grassroots politicians and candidates emerging to carry the party's banner in various senatorial and federal constituencies.

The development is coming amid growing support for the party from influential Yoruba socio-political stakeholders, including the Afenifere group under the leadership of Oba Olaitan, which has adopted and expressed support for the SDP.

Among the party's notable candidates are Goke Omigbodun, Toyin Falade, Dr. Akintola Najmud-deen Akinjide and Hon. Ayoade Raimi Baale, whose emergence is expected to further strengthen the party's electoral presence across the region.

Speaking while accepting the party's mandate as the SDP candidate for Oyo South Senatorial District, Hon. Ayoade Raimi Baale expressed appreciation to the party leadership and members for the confidence reposed in him.

Baale acknowledged that he emerged from among several highly qualified party members who were capable of representing the district, describing his emergence as a responsibility rather than a privilege to be taken for granted.

He pledged to work with party leaders, members and other aspirants towards victory, stressing that his experience as a grassroots politician would be brought to bear on the campaign.

A major component of his legislative agenda, he disclosed, would be the pursuit of the creation of Ibadan State, which he described as an urgent and desirable project deserving national attention.

According to him, Ibadan's historical importance as the former capital of the Western Region makes the demand for state creation more than a local agitation.

Baale argued that Ibadan remains the only former regional capital of pre- and post-independence Nigeria whose metropolitan territory has not been granted state status, noting that Kaduna and Enugu, which served as the capitals of the Northern and Eastern Regions respectively, had subsequently become states.

He therefore pledged that, if elected, he would work with other legislators and stakeholders to advance the Ibadan State creation agenda.

While describing the proposed Ibadan State as his "star project," Baale said his legislative priorities would also include initiatives capable of improving the welfare and economic opportunities of constituents through effective legislation and constructive engagement with stakeholders.

He called on SDP members across the South West to unite and work for the success of the party, recalling that the SDP is not a new political platform and has previously produced governors and legislators at both state and national levels.

Baale also paid tribute to the SDP National and Oyo State leader, Rt. Hon. Mulikat Adeola Akande, whom he described as an indefatigable, committed, visionary and focused leader.

He commended her sacrifices and contributions towards building the party in Oyo State and pledged that her efforts would not be in vain.

He equally acknowledged the support of the Afenifere group under Oba Olaitan, describing the group's adoption of and support for the SDP as a development that the party would not take for granted.

Meanwhile, the party's campaign message is also taking shape in Ife Federal Constituency, where Dr. Akintola Najmud-deen Akinjide, the SDP candidate for the House of Representatives, has formally commenced his campaign.

In his message to the people of Ife, Akinjide said his political journey was a call to service rooted in the needs and aspirations of both indigenes and non-indigenes of the territory.

Quoting the Yoruba maxim, "Ilé là ti ń kéṣọ̀ ròde," he stressed that effective representation at the National Assembly must begin with a proper understanding of the challenges facing the people at home.

Akinjide identified the completion of abandoned federal projects, strengthening of traditional institutions, preservation of cultural heritage, advancement of social welfare and creation of opportunities for young people through employment, skills development and support as key areas of his proposed representation.

He called on the people of Ife to join him in building a constituency that works for all.

The emergence of Baale, Akinjide and other SDP candidates, including Goke Omigbodun and Toyin Falade, is being viewed by party supporters as part of a broader effort to combine grassroots mobilisation, experienced political leadership and issue-based campaigns ahead of the 2027 elections.

With the growing involvement of traditional and socio-political stakeholders and the party's renewed emphasis on grassroots organisation, the SDP appears set to intensify its campaign to expand its electoral foothold across the South West.

The party's leadership has continued to call for unity among its members and candidates, with emphasis on collective mobilisation, organisation and coordination as the basis for translating the party's growing political structures into electoral success in 2027.