The Social Democratic Party (SDP) says it is building its grassroots support and preparing for a major political comeback in Ebonyi State and across Nigeria ahead of the 2027 general elections. The Ebonyi State Chairman of SDP, Dr Kingsley Agbor, disclosed this in an interview while commenting on the state of Nigeria’s democracy, the performance of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), and the readiness of the opposition to challenge the current administration.
Dr Agbor explained that though many people think the SDP is inactive in Ebonyi, the party has been working silently but steadily, laying down political structures and mobilising support across the 13 local government areas of the state. According to him, the party has executive members in almost all the electoral wards in the state and is preparing to shock many with its political strength.
He said being in the opposition means the party must operate tactically and avoid making unnecessary noise. “As former President Goodluck Jonathan once said, when you’re putting up poles and wiring, no one notices. It’s only when the lights come on that people begin to pay attention,” Dr Agbor said. He added that the ruling party may dominate headlines due to its control of resources, but SDP is working quietly to build a strong base.
Responding to claims that the party is lifeless in Ebonyi, Dr Agbor dismissed the notion, saying that being silent does not mean being inactive. He likened the situation to people who pound yam quietly, while others make noise without much substance. He stressed that the SDP is alive and will surprise many people by the time the elections draw near.
On Nigeria’s democracy since the return to civilian rule in 1999, Dr Agbor expressed concern that the country has not truly experienced democratic governance. He said democracy is supposed to be government of the people, by the people and for the people, but the reality in Nigeria is different. He cited challenges with the electoral process, including the performance of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the role of the judiciary in election outcomes.
He questioned the extent to which government policies have improved the lives of ordinary Nigerians. He lamented the rise in living costs, including the price of basic items such as eggs and bread, and criticised the lack of basic amenities like clean water, electricity and quality education. “A crate of eggs now costs ₦7,000. Is that progress?” he asked.
Dr Agbor also expressed disappointment with the rate of defections among politicians, especially to parties that, in his view, have made life more difficult for citizens. He said the SDP would continue to advocate, mobilise and sensitise Nigerians to demand better leadership. He added that had the late Chief MKO Abiola been allowed to govern after winning the 1993 presidential election under the SDP platform, Nigeria would likely be in a better condition today.
On the performance of Governor Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi State, Dr Agbor said he would not rate him high. He described the administration as continuing the “cosmetic governance” of former Governor David Umahi. According to him, such projects as flyovers may look attractive but do not generate income or create enough jobs. He said real governance should involve economic growth, employment and investment in people’s welfare. He praised former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai’s partnership with the private sector to boost agriculture and job creation as an example of “hard-core governance.”
Asked whether he might defect to the ruling party ahead of the 2027 polls, Dr Agbor said he has no intention of doing so. He said he prefers to remain with the SDP, which he believes represents genuine change. He noted that leaders like Sam Mbakwe and Jim Nwobodo are still remembered for their impactful governance, not for party switching.
Dr Agbor said the 2027 election will not be about APC versus PDP but about Nigerians versus APC. He said the SDP is building a strong platform that will attract credible candidates. He added that many of the party’s future candidates may not be the usual faces in politics, but people with experience and vision.
He also reacted to recent comments by the Minister of Works, David Umahi, who dismissed opposition coalitions trying to unseat President Bola Tinubu. Dr Agbor recalled how the APC unseated the PDP in 2015 despite similar doubts. He said a political upset is possible in 2027, and warned that some of those dismissing the opposition today may be the first to defect when power shifts.
The SDP says it is ready to play a major role in Nigeria’s political future and is counting on the people’s frustration with the current state of the economy and governance to drive a wave of support across the country.
