Chairman of the 2026 National Convention of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Prof. Usman Bugaje, has accused the ruling party of undermining democratic institutions and attempting to stifle opposition voices ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Bugaje made the allegation on Saturday during his opening address at the party’s national convention in Bauchi State, where he urged Nigerians to resist oppression and remain committed to democratic values despite worsening economic hardship.
The SDP chieftain said the country was grappling with insecurity, unemployment, rising food prices and poor electricity supply, adding that Nigerians were enduring “excruciating poverty and utter misery.”
“Despite all these challenges, your presence here today is a measure of your commitment and determination to change your fortunes for good,” he told party delegates and supporters.
“No sacrifice is too great in changing fortunes.”
Bugaje accused the ruling party of weakening democratic institutions and using them to suppress political opposition.
“National institutions like the judiciary and democratic institutions like INEC have become tools in the hands of unscrupulous politicians, tossed around like chess pieces,” he said.
“The attempt by the ruling party to block political space and eliminate opposition is one of the most despicable offences in a democracy.”
Drawing parallels with Nigeria’s military era, he warned that attempts to intimidate opposition figures would ultimately fail.
“Only a quarter of a century ago, General Abacha, with all his military might, detained who he could and did what he could, yet he could not achieve what he wanted,” Bugaje stated.
He maintained that the SDP remained a credible alternative capable of offering responsible leadership and reversing Nigeria’s decline.
According to him, the party was presenting leaders untainted by what he described as years of political failure and economic mismanagement.
“Our party may not have the big men and deep pockets that have defined Nigerian politics, but those same deep pockets are what brought the country to its knees,” he said.
Bugaje also called on professionals, religious leaders and other patriotic Nigerians to actively participate in politics to prevent the political space from being dominated by what he termed “criminal elements.”
“We are reaching out to courageous Nigerians who are ready to stand up to the rubbish our politics has become today,” he added.
He urged Nigerians to prepare for the sacrifices necessary to rebuild the country, insisting that meaningful change could only come through courage, resilience and collective action.
