Nigeria @ 64: SDP seeks electoral reforms, social justice

The Social Democratic Party (SDP) in Imo on Tuesday called for a comprehensive reform of the country’s electoral process ahead of the 2027 general elections to ensure more credible outcomes.

The party also called for social justice, fairness, and good governance to address rural poverty, inequality, and social exclusion.

The state chairman of the party, Mr. Henry Eluwa, made the call in a statement issued to newsmen in Owerri to mark the country’s 64th Independence Anniversary celebration.

Eluwa, who also called for economic relief, bemoaned the high cost of fuel, transportation, electricity tariffs, and food items, especially rice and beans.

He called for the government's strategic intervention to make the items affordable to the average Nigerian.

“We call on all well-meaning Nigerians to join us in this quest for justice and reform.

“The SDP faithful across Imo gather in solemnly reflecting on the brazen daylight robbery of democracy that occurred during the September 21 Imo Local Government Elections.

“We stand firmly in our commitment to electoral reform, good governance, and social justice.

“The blatant disregard for the Imo State Independent Electoral Commission (ISIEC) electoral guidelines has left many disenfranchised and disillusioned,” Eluwa said.

The chairman said the issuing of certificates of return to the elected chairmen on September 23, contrary to the stipulated dates of September 2 to September 4, was a glaring violation of the electoral guidelines.

“The SDP demands that the judiciary take swift and decisive action against ISIEC for this blatant disregard of its own guidelines.

“We urge the courts to uphold the law and ensure that those responsible for its violations are held accountable,” he said.

Supreme News reports that the ruling All Progressives Congress won all the 27 chairmanship and 305 councillorship positions at the polls, boycotted by the Inter-Party Advisory Council in the state.

The council cited ISIEC’s alleged failure to abide by its own guidelines as the reason for its withdrawal from the exercise.