The Social Democratic Party (SDP) in Ebonyi State has stepped up its political machinery in preparation for the forthcoming August local government elections, in what party leaders describe as a calculated move to consolidate grassroots structures and build momentum toward the 2027 general elections.
This position was articulated by the State Chairman, Dr. Kingsley Obinna Agbo, during an expanded meeting of the State Executive Committee, which brought together key stakeholders, including local government caretaker committee chairmen.
The session, according to Agbo, was convened to harmonise strategies, strengthen internal cohesion, and align party operations with emerging electoral realities.
Agbo underscored the strategic importance of the council polls, describing them as a litmus test for the party’s organisational capacity and electoral viability at the grassroots level.
He noted that the SDP is deploying a phased and methodical approach aimed at ensuring robust participation across all local government areas.
“The August local government elections present a critical opportunity for us to demonstrate our preparedness and seriousness to the electorate. We are committed to participating fully and competitively,” he stated.
As part of its early mobilisation efforts, the party has already fielded candidates for key chairmanship and councillorship positions.
Among them are Hon. Chukwado Idoko for Ebonyi Local Government Area and Nnanna Eze for Ohaukwu Local Government Area, alongside a slate of councillorship aspirants across various wards.
Beyond candidate nomination, the party leadership emphasised ongoing grassroots engagement, political sensitisation, and structural consolidation as central pillars of its campaign architecture.
Agbo revealed that the SDP is prioritising voter outreach and internal discipline to ensure a cohesive and credible electoral outing.
Addressing concerns about internal discord that had previously challenged the party, Agbo declared that all lingering disputes, including litigations and factional divisions, have been conclusively resolved. He described the current state of the party as unified and repositioned for electoral success.
“As of today, we have no pending cases in court. The issues of rivalry and splinter groups have been resolved. What we have now is a united platform, working collectively toward a common goal,” he affirmed.
Looking beyond the immediate electoral cycle, the SDP chairman signalled the party’s broader political ambition, positioning the 2026 council elections as a springboard for a more formidable showing in the 2027 general elections.
He noted that the party is deliberately adopting a low-profile but strategic approach, with plans to unveil comprehensive policy frameworks and campaign programmes in the coming weeks.
“We are not driven by noise but by strategy. Our focus is on consolidation and capacity-building. In due course, Nigerians will begin to see the depth of our preparations,” he added.
On electoral reforms, Agbo reiterated the party’s longstanding advocacy for a fully electronic system of result transmission, expressing reservations about the current hybrid framework.
He argued that reliance on manual processes creates vulnerabilities that could undermine electoral credibility.
“The integrity of the electoral process must be safeguarded. We believe that full electronic transmission of results is essential to ensuring transparency, accountability, and public confidence in our elections,” he said.
The renewed momentum within the Ebonyi SDP has signaled a deliberate effort to reposition the party as a viable alternative in the state’s political landscape, with the upcoming local government elections serving as a critical benchmark for its future electoral prospects.
