The 2023 Kwara gubernatorial candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Hakeem Oladimeji Lawal, has officially resigned his membership from the party.
The resignation was contained in a formal letter obtained by 9japarrot media dated Tuesday, 27th January 2026 and addressed to the Ward Chairman of the SDP in Magaji Aare Ward I, Ilorin East Local Government Area.
In the letter, Lawal, the son of the late former Governor Mohammed Lawal expressed profound gratitude to the party leadership for providing him with a platform during the 2023 general elections.
He specifically acknowledged the support of the State Chairman, Alhaji AbdulAzeez Afolabi, and the broader political family that stood by him.
Serving as the gubernatorial candidate of the party was an honour that provided invaluable political exposure and experience, He said.
This decision follows wide-ranging consultations and careful reflection of counsel from my political family and stakeholders, the statement reads.
While the letter did not explicitly state his next political destination, Lawal hinted at a strategic shift in direction.
He noted that it had become necessary to reassess his political direction in the broader interest of his supporters.
9japarrot reports that Hakeem Lawal’s exit from the SDP is seen by analysts as a major blow to the party, which served as the primary “Third Force” during the 2023 elections.