The Social Democratic Party (SDP) governorship candidate in Lagos State, Femi Olaniyi-Ferrari, has declared his intention to defeat the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2027 governorship election.

Olaniyi-Ferrari made the declaration during an interview in Lagos on Monday, October 19, 2026, saying his party was prepared to offer residents an alternative leadership focused on public welfare, accountability and socioeconomic development.

According to the News Agency of Nigeria, the candidate argued that Lagos residents deserved a government that listens to their concerns and responds to their needs.

He also questioned the prolonged dominance of one political party in the state, maintaining that a change in leadership should be considered by voters.

Olaniyi-Ferrari said the SDP intended to reshape the state’s political landscape through policies and programmes designed to improve residents’ living standards.

SDP Promises People-Centred Governance

The governorship candidate said his party would prioritise transparency, economic opportunities, social welfare and sustainable development if given the mandate to govern Lagos.

He explained that the SDP would intensify grassroots mobilisation and engagement across the state to communicate its policy proposals and attract support ahead of the election.

Olaniyi-Ferrari also urged eligible voters to examine the manifestoes and policy commitments of political parties before deciding whom to support in 2027.

He emphasised that elections provide citizens with an opportunity to influence the direction of governance through their votes.

According to him, the SDP’s proposed approach would focus on responsible management of public resources, broader access to opportunities and government policies that reflect residents’ aspirations.

The candidate expressed confidence in his party’s ability to mobilise supporters across Lagos and compete for the governorship seat.

He further called on residents to participate actively in the electoral process, stressing the importance of credible elections and informed choices in strengthening democracy.

The SDP’s declaration comes as political parties and their candidates intensify preparations for the 2027 elections, with the APC facing challenges from opposition parties seeking to secure the support of Lagos voters.

However, the outcome of the contest will ultimately depend on the candidates’ campaigns, policy proposals and decisions made by voters at the polls.

The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has withdrawn recognition of its chapters operating outside Nigeria, citing a subsisting court judgment that reportedly restricts Nigerian political parties from establishing and supervising branches abroad.

The party announced the decision on Sunday through its National Publicity Secretary, Osa Director, who said the move followed a review of the party’s relationship with its foreign-based chapters.

According to Director, the decision was taken in deference to a judgment delivered by Justice Peter Kekemeke of the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Maitama in a case involving Professor Ali Alao, the All Progressives Congress (APC) and another party.

The suit, identified as No. CV/187/2025, reportedly addressed the legal status of diaspora chapters established by political parties registered in Nigeria.

The NDC spokesperson said the court held that Nigerian political parties lacked the legal authority to establish, operate or supervise chapters outside the country’s territorial boundaries.

Consequently, the party said it was halting recognition of its foreign chapters and withdrawing all previously granted recognition in compliance with the judgment.

Despite the decision, the NDC expressed appreciation to Nigerians living abroad for their support, loyalty and contributions to the party.

Director disclosed that the party had begun a harmonisation process in locations where multiple groups were operating, with the aim of bringing them together under a unified structure.

He added that the party was still reviewing the judgment and had referred the matter to its legal department for further advice and guidance.

The NDC also acknowledged the interest of Nigerians in the diaspora in its candidates ahead of the 2027 general elections, particularly its presidential candidate, Peter Obi.

The party encouraged its supporters abroad to remain engaged, continue interacting and maintain their political interests through appropriate and lawful channels.

The development comes as political parties prepare for the 2027 elections, with the NDC indicating that its withdrawal of formal recognition would not prevent continued engagement with supporters outside Nigeria.

Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has appointed Bashorun Akinwale Akinwole, popularly known as Wolekanle, as his new Chief of Staff following the resignation of his predecessor, Segun Ogunwuyi.

The appointment was announced on Monday, October 12, 2026, in a statement signed by the Secretary to the State Government, Professor Musibau Babatunde. The new appointment takes immediate effect.

Akinwole previously served as chairman of the Oyo State Local Government Service Commission. He is a grassroots politician from Ogbomoso, the same hometown as Ogunwuyi.

Alongside the appointment, Makinde named Mrs Aderonke Adedayo as Director-General of the state’s Due Process Office. Adedayo, who currently serves as Special Adviser on General Intervention and Donor Agencies, will retain her existing position while taking on the additional responsibility.

The appointments followed Ogunwuyi’s resignation earlier on Monday. In his resignation letter, dated October 12, he said his decision took immediate effect and expressed gratitude to Makinde for the opportunity to serve the government and people of Oyo State.

Ogunwuyi, a former member of the Oyo State House of Assembly and the House of Representatives, did not publicly state any political disagreement as the reason for his resignation.

The departure comes amid the recent exits of several political appointees from the Makinde administration. However, no official reason linking Ogunwuyi’s resignation to the wider political developments has been established.

Governor Makinde congratulated the new appointees and urged them to discharge their responsibilities with loyalty, commitment and dedication to public service.