Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
The Osun State chapter of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) has disowned a purported letter circulating in the public domain that claims the party has adopted the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of the August 15, 2026 governorship election. In a statement issued on Wednesday, July 29, 2026, the party described the document as "false and misleading," insisting that it did not originate from the authentic leadership of the SDP in Osun State.
The statement, signed by the State Secretary, Bolanle Abraham, and the State Chairman, Funso Timothy Fabiyi, said the party had not endorsed or adopted any governorship candidate for the forthcoming election. "The attention of the leadership of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Osun State Chapter, has been drawn to a purported letter circulating in the public domain, allegedly issued on behalf of the party, claiming that the SDP has adopted the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of the forthcoming August 15 gubernatorial election in Osun State," the statement read. Rejecting the authenticity of the letter, the party stated that "the said letter is false, misleading, and did not emanate from the authentic leadership of the Social Democratic Party, Osun State".
The SDP also alleged that some individuals had been falsely presenting themselves as officials of the party while using its identity without authorisation. According to the statement, "We are aware that certain unscrupulous individuals have presented themselves as leaders and representatives of SDP Osun State, including the use of the party's letterhead and the unauthorized identification of an individual, Apostle Rotimi Oride, as the State Chairman of the party. These actions are deceptive and do not represent the position or decision of the legally recognized leadership of SDP in Osun State".
The party maintained that it had neither adopted nor endorsed the candidate of the APC or any other political party contesting the August 15 governorship election. "The Social Democratic Party, Osun State Chapter, has not adopted, endorsed, or ratified the candidature of any aspirant or candidate from any political party for the forthcoming August 15 gubernatorial election," the statement read. The party consequently urged residents of the state, party members, and other stakeholders not to be misled by the circulating document, describing it as "the handiwork of individuals acting for personal and selfish interests".
Reaffirming its commitment to due process and democratic values, the SDP said its official positions would only be communicated through recognised party channels and authorised representatives. "The leadership of SDP Osun State remains committed to upholding democratic principles, internal party processes, and the rule of law. Any official position of the party will only be communicated through the recognised channels and authorised representatives of the party," it stated. The party further advised members of the public to remain vigilant and ignore any unauthorised communication capable of misleading citizens and party faithful.
The denial comes amid conflicting reports over the SDP's position on the Osun governorship race. A separate letter, dated July 27, 2026, addressed to the APC State Chairman, Alhaji Tajudeen Lawal, claimed that the SDP had formally adopted the APC governorship candidate, Bola Oyebamiji. That letter, signed by a certain Hon. Apostle G. Remi Omidire as State Chairman, claimed the decision was reached at the party's Southwest Zonal Meeting held in Ibadan, Oyo State, and later endorsed by the party's National Leadership. The letter requested an official engagement with APC leadership in Osun to "jointly fine-tune the modalities and necessary processes leading to the formal public announcement of this historic adoption".
The SDP's denial of the adoption letter deepens the confusion surrounding the party's stance ahead of the crucial August 15 poll. The party's insistence that it has not endorsed any candidate, coupled with its allegations of unauthorised use of its identity, suggests a possible leadership tussle within the SDP in Osun State. As the election draws closer, the conflicting signals from the party could have significant implications for the political calculations of both the APC and the opposition, as well as for the voters of Osun State who are seeking clarity on which candidates and parties to support. The SDP has urged the public to disregard the purported adoption letter, warning that it is the handiwork of individuals acting for personal and selfish interests.
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