By Eteteonline
In an effort to control political engagement and prevent ethnic and regional division, the Babangida administration disbanded pre-existing political organizations and established two government-funded parties in 1989, the Social Democratic Party (SDP) and the National Republican Convention (NRC),
The NRC tended toward conservative political and economic ideals, whilst the SDP was philosophically slightly to the left, emphasizing social justice, welfare, and egalitarianism. Many politicians, technocrats, and members of civil society who were fed up with long-term military rule and ready for a return to constitutional governance joined the SDP by the early 1990s.
The Social Democratic Party (SDP) national convention was held at Jos Township Stadium in Plateau State on March 27 and 29, 1993, as part of General Ibrahim Babangida’s transition program.
Chief MKO Abiola worked as a publisher, politician, philanthropist, and businessman. In 1993, he ran for Nigerian president on the SDP platform.
Several well-known candidates were present at the convention to choose the SDP’s nominee. Among the principal aspirants who took part in the primaries were:
- Chief MKO Abiola
- Alhaji Baba Gana Kingibe
- Alhaji Atiku Abubakar
- Alhaji Adamu Ciroma
- Chief Joshua Dariye
Following several rounds of voting by party delegates, MKO Abiola was declared the winner after defeating Baba Gana Kingibe in the last round of voting.
Later on, Baba Gana Kingibe joined Abiola as his running mate to form the SDP presidential ticket.
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