Segun Oni speaks on reported move by Tinubu to defect to SDP

A former Governor of Ekiti State and Chairman of the National Convention Planning Committee of the Social Democratic Party, Engr. Segun Oni, has said that the Shehu Gabam-led National Working Committee is the recognised leadership of the party and the Independent National Electoral Commission.

Oni, the gubernatorial candidate of the party in the June 18 governorship election in Ekiti State, said this on Wednesday.

He spoke with newsmen shortly after inaugurating the sub-committees of the convention committee slated for June 8 at the Eagle Square, Abuja.

Oni. who warned Nigerians to be wary of the activities of fraudulent elements impersonating duly elected officials, noted that on the website of the INEC are the names of officials legally powered to run the affairs of the various political parties in the country.

There had been a running battle between Gabam and Supo Shonibare, with the latter also laying claim to the national chairmanship of the party.

On what to expect in 2023, Oni said that the party will not transport “our people to a new Nigeria in a rickety vehicle”.

Speaking on whether the National Leader of the All Progressives Congress, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, would defect to the SDP if he fails to pick his party’s presidential ticket, Oni said: “There are too much speculations already but what I can assure Nigerians is that we will conduct a free, fair and credible primaries.

“We are open to all Nigerians who believe in our values and beliefs.”

On his part, the National Secretary of the party and former Minister of Defence, Dr. Olu Agunloye, promised on behalf of the SDP to conduct the best national convention ever, saying: “You will see a convention where delegates will vote not according to the dictates of dollars.

“SDP delegates will vote with their conscience.”

Agunloye further called on party members to continue to sensitise Nigerians on the ideals of the party, noting that neither the ruling APC nor the Peoples Democratic Party has what it takes to make Nigeria take her place among the comity of developed countries.