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SDP allegedly describes Shonibare as an impostor, denies his membership

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A Lawyer and Lagos based politician, Chief Supo Shonibare, is an impostor who is hiding under the facade of being the factional national chairman of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) to collect illegal nomination, and expression of interest fees from aspirants seeking to contest the 2023 general elections under the SDP, the party has alleged.

SDP National Publicity Secretary, Ambassador Rufus Aiyenigba, made the allegation in a statement issued in Abuja, on Tuesday.

The party clarified that Chief Shonibare’s stock in trade after his expulsion from the party, has been to misinform the public with a view to diminish the rising profile of the SDP as the credible alternative for Nigerians, seeking good governance and development as the nation counts down to next year’s general elections.

Ambassador Aiyenigba, in the statement, described him as an agent of destabilisation and distraction who since 2019 has engaged in shenanigans, including legal battles to take over control of the party as national chairman to no avail.

“On 7 February, 2019, Chief Olu Falae announced his resignation as national chairman of the party and his retirement from politics. Prof. Tunde Adeniran, then Deputy National Chairman (South) immediately ascended to the position of national chairman, in accordance with Section 12.5.1 (v) of the SDP Constitution, 2018.

“Chief Supo Shonibare, who was merely one of the six zonal chairmen of SDP at the time, rushed to Abuja on 11 February, 2019, claiming that he was acting under the directives of a local socio-cultural organisation to take over the SDP and proceeded to illegally announce himself as national chairman of the party.

“He was roundly ignored by the SDP leadership, the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, and the public. After one year, a frustrated Shonibare headed to the Federal High Court in Abuja on 22 January, 2020, to urge the court to declare him as national chairman and to compel INEC to recognise him as such.

“He also sought from the court a declaration that the SDP constitution of 2011/2012 and the old SDP logo are the only valid tenders of the party and not the 2018 SDP constitution and the current logo which were duly ratified and adopted at the 6th October, 2018, national convention of the oarty in Abuja, under the supervision of the Independent Nation Electoral Commission (INEC).

“As at14 May, 2022, the Shonibare court case is yet to be formally heard at the Federal High Court, Abuja. It is noteworthy that INEC, as a defendant in the case, had sometime in 2020 and 2021, informed the court that the commission is not aware that Chief Supo Shonibare became the SDP national chairman at any point in time..

“In the meantime, it has become clear from his stance, that Chief Shonibare has consistently showed the restlessness of a man that knows that his case has no merit,” the SDP image-maker stated.

According to Amb. Aiyenigba, in utter disregard of the pending case in court, Chief Shonibare, proclaimed himself as the SDP acting national chairman and proceeded to announce fake schedules for congresses and conventions, including reeling out rules and conditions for aspirants wishing to fly the party’s banner in 2023.

“He acted completely in contradiction and in conflicts with the Electoral Act, 2022 and in utter disdain for the role and rules of INEC. This brazen disregard for the electoral law and the regulatory body, INEC has confirmed that Shonibare is only out to cause distraction for the leaders of the Social Democratic Party.

“It has also become evident that Chief Supo Shonibare is being motivated by fraud and intention to commit crime. As a matter of fact, Chief Shonibare has now taken to public media platforms and social media to advertise and canvass for sales of bogus forms for phantom SDP congresses, convention and nomination forms to contest elections.

“He also asked unsuspecting members of the public to make payments to illegal bank accounts.

“The party hereby uses this medium to announce that Chief Supo Shonibare is not a member of the SDP, but an impostor and impersonator aiming to defraud the public by posing as the SDP national chairman and indulging in criminal acts like soliciting for unauthorised fees and collecting monies under false pretext.

“The national leadership of the party hereby warn party members nationwide and the public in general not to deal with Chief Supo Shonibare on any matter relating to the Social Democratic Party, and enjoins anyone who had already fallen victim to his mischief to report immediately to the Nigeria Police or other law- enforcement agencies,” he added.

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Politics

Obidient Movement Gears Up for 2027, Strengthens Unity

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Obidient Movement Logo

Following a successful Advisory and Directorate Committees meeting held recently, the Obidient Movement has reaffirmed its commitment to a united, strategic, and value-driven political future.

The meeting, described as a milestone gathering, brought together key stakeholders and leaders within the movement to solidify strategies for the 2027 general elections.
Central to the discussions was the vision of ensuring competent, value-based leadership, with a strong emphasis on supporting Peter Obi and like-minded leaders who embody the movement’s ideals of integrity, good governance, and accountability.
Participants at the meeting underscored the importance of organisation, coordination, and active participation in driving the movement’s objectives.
The event provided a platform for meaningful dialogue, reinforcing the need for structure, outreach, and grassroots mobilisation to sustain the momentum ahead of the next election cycle.

Following the deliberations, members left with a renewed sense of purpose, fully aware of the responsibilities ahead.
National Coordinator of the Movement, Dr. Yunusa Tanko
expressed confidence in the movement’s direction, thanking those who have taken up leadership roles in various directorates and advisory councils.

“We deeply appreciate all those who have accepted appointments to serve in different capacities. Their contributions will be critical in shaping the movement’s future. We also salute the millions of Obidients across Nigeria and beyond who tirelessly advocate and mobilise for a better country. Your dedication is the heartbeat of this movement,” Dr. Tanko stated.
Continuing, he said eith renewed energy and focus, the Obidient Movement is set to expand its structures nationwide, ensuring greater coordination and effectiveness.
According to him, the movement will also empower supporters with the tools needed to actively participate in governance and political processes as well as sustained mobilization at all levels, to reinforce the push for transformative leadership in Nigeria.

Dr. Tanko urged all supporters to stay engaged, participate actively, and remain steadfast in their commitment to the movement’s cause.
He emphasized that a new Nigeria is within reach, but only through collective action and perseverance.
Finally, Tanko encouraged all Obidients to stay informed, join local chapters, and contribute to the shared vision of a better Nigeria.
For further updates and participation, he urged supporters to reach out via Obidient.unification@gmail.com.

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2027 Elections: SDP’s Agunloye Calls for Ideology-Driven Alliances, Not Just Power Grabs

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Olu Agunloye

National Secretary of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Dr. Olu Agunloye, has warned that alliances must go beyond mere power-seeking and instead be rooted in principles, ideology, and national development.
This is coming as Nigeria gears up for the 2027 general elections with political coalitions and realignments taking center stage once again.
In a thought-provoking paper titled “The Tikanga for Alliances and Coalitions for Good Governance and Life More Abundant,” released in Abuja on Monday, Agunloye examined Nigeria’s history of political coalitions—highlighting their successes, failures, and the urgent need for a new approach.
Dr. Agunloye traced the failures of past alliances, including, the United Progressive Grand Alliance (UPGA) of 1964, formed out of political expediency, lacking a unifying ideology.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2013 successfully unseated the ruling party in 2015 but failed to deliver long-term national development, leaving Nigeria struggling with insecurity, poor infrastructure, and economic challenges.

The Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP 2018) despite signing a memorandum to support a joint candidate, it lacked a clear roadmap before the 2019 elections.

The National Consultative Front (NCF 2021) aimed to form a mega-party for the 2023 elections failed to implement its strategy within INEC’s timeframe.
Looking ahead to 2027, Agunloye urged political stakeholders to move beyond short-term electoral victories and instead adopt a structured, principle-based approach to coalition-building.
He emphasized that alliances should prioritize national security, social justice, and economic prosperity over personal ambition.
“Political partnerships must be built well in advance of elections, with clear strategies for leadership, policies, and campaign execution.
“Coalitions should not be a dumping ground for defecting politicians but a platform for individuals and groups genuinely committed to Nigeria’s progress.
“A blueprint for governance must be established before seeking electoral victory to prevent post-election chaos.”

Dr. Agunloye suggested that the SDP, under its current leadership, has the necessary structure to support a well-planned alliance.
However, he stressed that other political platforms could also contribute to building a coalition focused on national transformation.

“Nigeria does not need to reinvent the wheel,” he stated, urging stakeholders to learn from past coalition mistakes and work towards a grand alliance that prioritizes governance over politics.

As the 2027 elections approach, the critical question remains, will political leaders embrace a new, ideology-driven alliance or repeat the cycle of failed coalitions?

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Ex-LP Treasurer Rejects Abure’s Igbo Presidency Push, Advocates Merit-Based Leadership

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Oluchi Oparah

A former National Treasurer of the Labour Party (LP), Oluchi Oparah, has distanced herself from the position of the party’s National Chairman, Barrister Julius Abure, on the path to an Igbo presidency, insisting that Ndigbo must secure the presidency through merit, not ethnic sentiment.
Oparah’s reaction follows Abure’s recent statement at a South-East Labour Party rally in Abuja, where he reiterated the party’s commitment to supporting the Igbo for the presidency in 2027. According to Abure, the LP had zoned its 2023 presidential ticket to the South-East to “wipe the tears” of the region, urging Igbo leaders to realign and consolidate their political strength ahead of the next election.
However, Oparah, in a statement issued on Sunday, strongly disagreed with Abure’s approach, warning that framing the presidency as an ethnic entitlement rather than a merit-based contest could hurt Ndigbo’s chances.
“The notion that Ndigbo can only achieve the presidency by exploiting tribal and regional sentiments is not only misguided but also detrimental to our collective progress as a nation,” she said.
She pointed to the performance of Peter Obi in the 2023 general elections as evidence that an Igbo candidate can gain nationwide support based on competence, integrity, and vision, rather than ethnic affiliation.
“Obi’s success was not built on ethnic sentiment but on his impressive credentials and performance record, which still speak for him today. If not for certain electoral irregularities, he could have secured the seat for the betterment of all Nigerians,” Oparah argued.

She further criticized Abure’s rhetoric, stating that it undermines the principle of national unity and meritocracy.
“Rather than promoting an ethnic-based campaign strategy, Ndigbo must focus on building a coalition of support across different ethnic and political groups. The presidency of Nigeria should be won based on competence, vision, and leadership, not sentiment,” she said.
Oparah urged political leaders to prioritize a unifying national agenda over ethnic considerations, warning that emphasizing tribal politics could alienate potential allies and weaken support for an Igbo candidate.
As the race for 2027 begins to take shape, her remarks signal a growing debate within the Labour Party and the wider political landscape over the best approach for the South-East to attain national leadership.

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