The Social Democratic Party (SDP) has countered rumours stating that it has withdrawn from the forthcoming Ekiti governorship election, insisting that it remains commited to contesting and winning the election.
SDP disclosed that its candidate remains validly on the ballot and fully recognised by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), urging it’s supporters and residents at large to dispel the rumour and support continue to support the party prior, during and after the election.
The clarification, passed on Friday, followed widespread claims circulating in political circles that the party had exited the race and also adopting Governor Biodun Oyebanji of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to win the gubernatorial ticket.
The party described the reports as misleading and deliberately fabricated to confuse voters ahead of the election.
In a statement issued in Abuja by its National Publicity Secretary, Rufus Aiyenigba, the party affirmed that its governorship candidate, Isaac Alade, remains its duly nominated flagbearer, stressing that he has complied with all electoral requirements, including participation in the INEC peace accord, and continues to enjoy full recognition from the electoral body.
.The party also referenced what it described as internal political realignments, including earlier reports of withdrawing support for its former governorship candidate, Peter Obafemi, and endorsing Governor Biodun Oyebanji of the All Progressives Congress (All Progressives Congress), however, it maintained that such developments do not affect its current participation in the race.
Raising further concerns, the SDP accused INEC of allegedly failing to grant it access to upload the names of its polling unit agents, despite issuing access codes to its national secretariat.
It claimed the electoral portal remained inaccessible, a situation it warned could affect the transparency of the process.
The party argued that any perceived bias or administrative obstruction from the electoral commission could undermine public confidence in the outcome of the election, warning that such issues risk eroding the credibility of the democratic process.
Reaffirming its position, the SDP described itself as a viable alternative for governance in Ekiti State, promising equitable socio-economic development, improved accountability, and broader public prosperity if elected.
It also reiterated its commitment to continued participation in the electoral process and called for greater transparency from all institutions involved in the conduct of the poll.