By Dirisu Yakubu

ABUJA—Social Democratic Party, SDP, has pledged to work tirelessly in the realisation of a restructured and functional federalism for the nation even as it chided All Progressives Congress, APC, for lacking the political maturity to govern the nation democratically.

The party stated this at its maiden National Communications Strategy meeting in Abuja, describing itself as the only ideologically-driven political party in the country.

Briefing newsmen at the end of the meeting, spokesperson of the party, Adakole Ijogi said the SDP will put to an end all forms of corruption, noting that the government of President Muhammadu Buhari has brought nothing but untold pain and hardship on Nigerians.

Social Democratic Party Chairman, Chief Olu Falae( m) displaying the party symbol while the National Secretary, Dr. Sadiq Abubakar (2nd right); Third Republic Senator, Ebenezer Ikeyina (2-r); Party Leader, Chief Supo Sonibare (l) and the National Women Leader, Maggie Batubo watching during the public presentation of the SDP party symbol, manifesto, constitution and flag at the party headquarters, Durumi, Abuja. Photo by Abayomi Adeshida.

Ijogi said: “We have observed that the gross lack of capacity in managing the economy and the political immaturity in governance by the APC-led Federal Government has brought untold hardship, increased sectarian violence and polarised the nation into ethnic and religious camps. In fact, the last three years have been tales of disillusionment, despair and disenchantment.

“The meeting unanimously resolved to be issue based in all its media and communications engagements, in its bid to firmly re-positioned the SDP, which is the only ideology driven political party in Nigeria.”

“On the nation-wide roll-out, after the non-elective convention in April 2018, it was also unanimously agreed that the youth, women and emerging leaders will drive the process, as the internal political space in the party has been deliberately designed to accommodate these very important demography.

“The need to promote the party’s manifesto in a clear and easy to comprehend format was agreed, with strategic emphasis placed on the party’s stands on a new governance model for Nigeria that will make welfare, citizen’s rights and rule of law the epicentre of its programs,” he said.

Describing the SDP as “The party Nigerians have been waiting for,” Ijogi said the party was prepared to “Stop the haemorrhaging and guide the nation back to the path of prosperity, progress and unity.”