Social Democratic Party (SDP) - SS3 Government Lesson Note

The Social Democratic Party (SDP) was formed in Nigeria in 1992 as a result of the transition to democratic rule after a period of military dictatorship. It was one of the two political parties that emerged during that period, the other being the National Republican Convention (NRC). The SDP was led by prominent politicians such as Shehu Musa Yar'Adua, Moshood Abiola, Atiku Abubakar, and Babagana Kingibe.

The party's ideology was based on social democracy, which emphasizes the importance of providing social services, reducing economic inequality, and promoting democracy. The SDP aimed to create a just and egalitarian society through policies such as free education, healthcare, and affordable housing.

In the 1993 presidential elections, the SDP's candidate Moshood Abiola won the popular vote but the results were annulled by the military government. This led to a period of political instability and eventually a military coup that lasted until 1999.

The SDP was dissolved by the military government, but it was re-registered in 2017 as a political party under the leadership of Chief Olu Falae. The party has since participated in subsequent elections, but it has not been as successful as it was in the 1990s.