Why We Held Closed-Door Meeting With President Tinubu After Attending Iftar Dinner In Abuja-IPAC, SDP Leaders

SDP bigwigs and leaders of the Inter-Party Advisory Council have explained reasons why they met with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu behind closed doors after joining others to have iftar dinner with him at the Presidential Villa, Abuja recently.

They disclosed that the meeting actually focused on strengthening Nigeria’s democratic process ahead of the 2027 general election.

 Team@orientactualmags.com learned that the party leaders commented on the issue during the iftar dinner held by former SDP presidential candidate , Mr Adewole Adebayo.

‘On Wednesday, we met with Mr President following his invitation. We went to the Iftar and we are proud of the party leaders and the IPAC chairman. It was an honour to sit with the President and remind him about the need to have a transparent, free, fair and credible election in 2027.

Democracy, from its definition, is the government of the people, by the people and for the people. I think it is the government’s responsibility to listen to Nigerians and do the needful by having transparent electoral laws that can guarantee and usher in good governance.

We know the situation of our country. I want to use this opportunity to reiterate that we in the SDP are always for democracy and we will ever remain Democrats. So, we are calling on the government and particularly members of our National Assembly to heed the cries of Nigerians’ SDP National Chairman , Professor Sadiq Gombe, submitted.

Also speaking, the National Chairman of IPAC, Dr Yusuf Dantalle, said members of the council used the opportunity to raise concerns about aspects of the proposed electoral reforms, particularly issues relating to indirect primaries and mandatory electronic transmission of results and urged the president to use his influence to encourage a legislative review where necessary.

‘We were at the Villa some days ago on the invitation of our father, the president of the nation. And we were very happy that he gave us that compliment. We raised the issues of our indirect primaries and mandatory

Otherwise, we tried to appeal to him, even though he is not the legislature, but as the president of the ruling party, who has the majority of the members of the National Assembly to see how he can intervene.

What we want to see is that democracy thrives better under his leadership, because nobody, not even any of the past presidents up to this point, has suffered for democracy, persecuted and prosecuted like himself.

So, I believe that he (Tinubu) will listen to us, and then do the needful by intervening to see where necessary amendments are required. Nigeria expects much from somebody who has been an actor in the democratic space for this period.

We also use this opportunity to call on INEC that much is expected of it, because as the 2027 elections approach, the expectations of Nigerians are so high. So. we should play by the rules’ he said.

Earlier in his remarks, Mr Adewole Adebayo cautioned political actors against ‘do-or-die affair’ approach ahead of the 2027 general election while noting that the ultimate goal of the democratic process should be the progress of Nigeria rather than personal political victory.

‘The president has a duty, just as I have a duty, to ensure Nigerians are motivated to vote and participate in the democratic process.

I will plead with President Tinubu. He doesn’t have to win the election, just as I don’t have to win. The only entity that must win is Nigeria’ he added-Team@orientactualmags.com  Do you have any information you wish to share with us? Do you want us to cover your event or programme? Kindly send SMS to 08035023079,  08059100286, 09094171980 or get in touch via orientactualmag@gmail.com.  Thank you