SDP crisis: 'I'm the authentic chairman', says Sadiq
The National Chairman of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Abubakar Sadiq Gombe, on Wednesday declared himself the recognised leader of the party, dismissing concerns over internal divisions. Gombe said the
- ...party announces preparation for convention, primaries
- ...convention scheduled for May
The National Chairman of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Abubakar Sadiq Gombe, on Wednesday declared himself the recognised leader of the party, dismissing concerns over internal divisions.
Gombe said the party had intensified preparations for the 2027 general elections, stressing that its structure remained intact and functional nationwide.
He spoke in response to reports that the Independent National Electoral Commission had uploaded a rival factional chairman, Shehu Gabam, on its official portal.
Addressing journalists at the party’s national secretariat in Abuja, Gombe maintained that the SDP was united, focused, and ready to contest and win elective positions across the country.
He disclosed that a comprehensive timetable of activities had been released ahead of the party’s national convention scheduled for May, noting that the process would cover ward, local government, state, and zonal congresses.
According to him, interest in the party continues to grow, with members already indicating willingness to contest positions ranging from state assemblies to the presidency.
“We are not distracted by internal disagreements or external pressures. All matters relating to our party remain within our constitutional framework,” he said.
Gombe also referenced a recent National Executive Committee meeting, which he described as successful and widely attended by party leaders, adding that officials of INEC monitored the proceedings.
On concerns over names appearing on the INEC portal, the party’s National Secretary, Olusegun Agunloye, dismissed any controversy, insisting that the electoral body lacked constitutional authority to determine party leadership.
He explained that the current leadership emerged through constitutional succession following the suspension of a former chairman over alleged misconduct, describing any discrepancies on INEC’s platform as administrative issues.
Agunloye added that the SDP remains peaceful, disciplined, and firmly in control of its internal affairs, warning against misinterpreting ongoing repositioning efforts as a crisis.
Also speaking, the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Araba Rufus Aiyenigba, said all outstanding issues had been resolved, assuring members that there was no cause for concern.
“No incident or action will destabilise the SDP. We remain united and focused,” he said.
In his remarks, a former Minister of Information and party chieftain, Labaran Maku, expressed confidence in the party’s leadership and its readiness for the 2027 elections.
Maku commended the party’s internal organisation and growing national appeal, citing its performance in Nasarawa State during the 2023 general elections as evidence of its rising influence.
He noted that the party secured two senatorial seats, two House of Representatives seats, and four seats in the State House of Assembly in the state, reflecting expanding grassroots support.
He urged party leaders to sustain the momentum and continue building a strong political platform capable of delivering electoral success.
The party leadership reaffirmed its commitment to due process, constitutional order, and the provisions of the Electoral Act, insisting that it would remain focused on providing credible leadership and winning elections in 2027.
