SDP denies backing Oyebamiji for Osun governorship, dismissing claims of an alliance with APC ahead of the August 15 election
The Social Democratic Party (SDP) has denied backing All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate Bola Oyebamiji ahead of the August 15, 2026, Osun State governorship election, dismissing reports that its state structure had collapsed in support of the ruling party’s candidate.
Also read: 2027: Nigerians Should Decide Election, Not Courts, Says Atiku Aide
The party’s national leadership said the Osun chapter remained intact and had not endorsed any candidate or entered into an alliance with the APC.
The clarification followed reports linked to a factional SDP chairman in Osun State, Remi Omidire, who was said to have adopted Oyebamiji in a letter addressed to the APC state chairman, Tajudeen Lawal.
Reacting to the claim in a statement issued in Lagos on Wednesday, Chairman of the SDP State Chairmen in Nigeria, Femi Olaniyi, popularly known as Ferrari, described the letter as false and unrelated to the recognised leadership of the party in Osun.
Olaniyi said the authentic leadership of the party in the state remained under Funsho Fabiyi and had not taken any decision to support the APC candidate.
“The Osun State chapter of the SDP has not, and will not, collapse its structure for any political party. SDP is not for sale,” Olaniyi said.
He accused those behind the alleged endorsement of attempting to mislead members of the public ahead of the election.
The SDP chairman warned that individuals responsible for spreading what he described as fake information could face legal action.
“We warn all perpetrators of this fake news to desist immediately or face the full wrath of the law,” he said.
The party maintained that it remained committed to participating in the Osun governorship election and urged its supporters to disregard reports suggesting it had withdrawn from the race.
The controversy comes as political parties intensify campaigns ahead of the August 15 election, with major contenders seeking support across the state.
The APC has presented Bola Oyebamiji as its candidate, while other parties continue their mobilisation efforts in the final phase of preparations for the poll.
Also read: 2027: Nigerians Should Decide Election, Not Courts, Says Atiku Aide
The SDP said it would continue pursuing its political agenda through the democratic process and remained focused on winning support from Osun voters.
