Ekiti 2026: SDP Denies Withdrawal, Insists Candidate Remains in Race

The Social Democratic Party (SDP) has dismissed reports claiming it has withdrawn from the June 20, 2026, Ekiti State governorship election, describing the reports as false, misleading and the handiwork of political opponents.

The party made its position known in a statement issued on Friday by its National Publicity Secretary, Araba Aiyenigba, who reaffirmed that the party’s governorship candidate, Ambassador Isaac Alade, remains firmly in the race and will participate in the election.

The clarification followed reports alleging that Alade had withdrawn from the contest and endorsed the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and incumbent governor, Biodun Oyebanji.

Reacting to the claims, Aiyenigba said the SDP had not taken any decision to withdraw from the election and urged members of the public to disregard the reports.

He noted that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had duly listed the SDP on the ballot and that Alade was among the governorship candidates who signed the peace accord organised by the electoral body ahead of the poll.

According to him, individuals behind the withdrawal story were not recognised by the party and were merely attempting to create confusion about the SDP’s participation in the election.

“The reports suggesting that the SDP has withdrawn from the race are entirely false. Our candidate, Ambassador Isaac Alade, remains in the contest and will participate in the election,” Aiyenigba stated.

The party also accused INEC of denying it access to upload the names of its polling unit agents ahead of the election.

Aiyenigba explained that although the commission issued an access code to the party’s national secretariat, officials allegedly failed to activate the portal required for uploading the details of its agents.

He expressed concern that the development could affect the transparency and credibility of the electoral process while potentially disenfranchising the party.

The SDP spokesman called on INEC to address the issue immediately and ensure a level playing field for all participating parties.

He reiterated the party’s commitment to democratic governance, credible elections and national development, insisting that the SDP remains a viable alternative platform for the people of Ekiti State ahead of the governorship poll.