The Social Democratic Party has refuted rumors that its candidate for the Ekiti State governorship election, Isaac Adebayo Alade, has dropped out of the race. The party clarified that Alade remains firmly on the ballot for the June 20, 2026 poll.
In a statement issued on Friday, SDP National Publicity Secretary Araba Rufus Aiyenigba dismissed the withdrawal claims as fabricated and aimed at misleading voters. He attributed the false report to a faction loyal to the party’s expelled former chairman, Shehu Gabam.
“The National Chairman, Prof. Sadiq Umar Abubakar Gombe, and the National Working Committee assure the public that the SDP is listed on the ballot. Ambassador Isaac Adebayo Alade is the validly nominated candidate recognized by INEC and remains a strong contender,” the party said.
The Independent National Electoral Commission has confirmed that all preparations are complete for Saturday’s election. INEC recently listed Gombe as the rightful national chairman of the SDP on its portal.