The Social Democratic Party (SDP) was established in 1989 by former military president General Ibrahim Babangida as part of his transition to democracy. Alongside the National Republican Convention (NRC), the SDP was meant to represent a left-leaning political ideology, while the NRC leaned right.
The SDP emerged from a merger of political groups, including the People’s Front of Nigeria, People’s Solidarity Party, and the Nigerian Labor Party. The party’s leadership was largely dominated by northern politicians, with Babagana Kingibe becoming the party chairman in 1990 after defeating Mohammed Arzika.
The SDP played a crucial role in Nigeria’s political history, producing influential members such as Atiku Abubakar, Jerry Gana, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, Bola Tinubu, Shehu Yar’Adua, Sule Lamido, Tony Anenih, Iyorchia Ayu, and many others.
The party gained prominence during the 1993 presidential election, won by Chief Moshood Abiola (MKO Abiola), in what was considered Nigeria’s fairest election. However, the election was annulled by Babangida, leading to political turmoil.
Now, with recent political realignments, the SDP is once again positioning itself as a key player in Nigeria’s evolving political landscape. Could it reclaim its past glory in 2027?
