•Afenifere logo, Prince Adebayo and SDP logo
In a significant political development ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 general elections, Afenifere, the influential South-West socio-cultural organisation, has formally endorsed the Social Democratic Party (SDP) as its preferred political platform.
The decision was reached at the group’s General Assembly held yesterday, Tuesday, March 31, 2026, in Ilesa, Osun State —marking a major boost for the opposition party’s national ambitions.
The endorsement is widely seen as a bold attempt to reposition the SDP in a manner reminiscent of its 1993 electoral success, when the late Chief MKO Abiola secured a landmark presidential victory, reports Daily Independent.
Afenifere declared that the SDP’s ideology aligns closely with its long-standing principles of social welfare, justice, and inclusive governance.
The General Assembly of Afenifere was presided over by the Leader of the organisation, His Royal Majesty, Oba Oladipo Olaitan, Senator Bucknor Akerele, Mr. Olutola Mobolurin, Chief Supo Shonibare, Mrs. Lanre Anjola, Lagos State Leader; Bayo Adenekan, Director Diaspora; Dr. Akin Fapohunda, Director, Research & Strategy; Mrs. Toyin Falade, National Welfare Officer; Mr. Dele Farotimi, National Organizing Secretary; Justice Faloye, Director of Media and Publicity; Arch. Goke Omigbodun, Osun State Chairman; Pastor Dr. Fajuminu, Chairman Ekiti State, and Mr. Alade Rotimi-John, Deputy General Secretary.
The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF), represented by its Secretary-General, Malam Murtala Aliyu (former Minister of Power); Comrade Salisu Nuhu Mohammad, Deputy Director-General of Northern Elders Forum (NEF) and Secretary, Board of Trustees, Labour Party; Dr. Usman Bugaje, Convener, Arewa Movement for Good Governance.
Former governor of Osun State and member of Board of Trustees of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola, and retired Col. Bello Fadile.
The 2023 presidential candidate of the Democratic Party, Prince (Dr.) Adewole Adebayo was present, while the National Working Committee (NWC) team had the party’s National Chairman, Dr. Sadiq Umar Abubakar Gombe; Senator (Dr.) Ugochukwu Uba, Deputy National Chairman (South); Dr. Olu Agunloye, National Secretary, and Araba Rufus Aiyenigba, National Publicity Secretary. Other members of the national leadership of the Party included Chief Silas Alani (former National Vice-Chairman, South-West); Hon. Femi Olaniyi (Ferrari), Lagos State Chairman and Chairman, Conference of SDP State Charmen; Hon. Mike Okunlade, Chairman, Oyo Staye SDP; Barrister Gbenga Akinbule, Ondo State Chairman; Otunba Olayinka Williams, Ogun State Chairman; Adewale Stephen, South-West Zonal Secretary; Engr. Tony Ojeshina, the 2023 SDP Governorship Candidate for Ogun State, and Aare, former Commissioner for Justice and Attorney General of Oyo State.
The party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Prince Adewole Adebayo, received notable commendation during the event, with Afenifere describing him as a candidate of “proven competence, integrity, and patriotic vision.”
The event attracted observers from key northern socio-political groups, including the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF), Northern Elders Forum (NEF), and the Arewa Movement for Good Governance.
Their presence is seen as an indication of emerging cross-regional dialogue and potential political collaboration ahead of 2027.
A major highlight of the gathering was the unveiling of “AFENIREWA,” described as a new national alliance concept aimed at fostering unity, inclusive governance, and sustainable development.
The initiative, anchored on the “Ilesa Declaration 2026,” outlines a renewed philosophical approach to leadership, emphasizing sincerity, accountability, and people-centered governance.
A Call for Unity and Leadership Reform
Participants at the meeting identified poor leadership, greed, and social inequality as key obstacles to Nigeria’s development.
They stressed the need for greater collaboration among Nigeria’s diverse socio-cultural groups, urging dialogue over division to drive national progress.
The declaration also underscored the importance of tackling poverty, improving education, and promoting social justice as essential steps toward reducing insecurity and social vices.
Afenifere reaffirmed its commitment to the development ideals of past Nigerian leaders, including Chief Obafemi Awolowo, Sir Ahmadu Bello, and Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe.
The group emphasised that their legacies — centered on education, unity, and inclusive governance — remain critical to building a prosperous Nigeria.
As part of its resolution, Afenifere pledged to mobilise its members across Nigeria and in the diaspora to support SDP candidates in the 2027 general elections.
The organisation expressed confidence that this new alignment could help address the nation’s current challenges and reposition Nigeria for sustainable growth and global relevance
