…Ratifies Gombe as Substantive National Chairman, Senator Uba as National Deputy, South

…Ratifies the Expulsion of Shehu Gabam, others

…Endorses Zoning arrangement for the offices of the National Chairman and the Presidential Candidate of the party

…As Adebayo Calls for reforms in Nigeria’s electoral laws to strengthen public confidence and ensure credible elections

By Henry Umoru

ABUJA- AHEAD of January 16th, 2027 Presidential election, the National Executive Committee, NEC of the Social Democratic Party, SDP has urged the Professor Joash Amupitan, SAN led Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC to ensure greater transparency and fairness in Nigeria’s electoral process.

According to SDP NEC, INEC and the National Assembly should endeavour to adhere strictly to the provisions of the Electoral Act are fully implemented to guarantee free, fair and credible elections, stressing that political parties and other stakeholders have continued to express concerns over certain aspects of the Electoral Act, emphasizing the need for reforms that will strengthen public confidence in Nigeria’s democratic process.

Speaking on Monday at the NEC meeting of the party, held at Newton Hotel and Resort, Abuja that ratified him as the substantive National Chairman, Professor Sadiq Gombe boasted that SDP remains ready to actively participate in the 2027 elections.

Gombe who recalled that the party played a historic role in Nigeria’s democratic journey over three decades ago when it won what was widely regarded as one of the most credible elections in the country’s history, stressed that the growing support for the party at the grassroots and national levels has given great confidence in the party by Nigerians, thereby making the SDP a credible political alternative. encouraged other political parties to emulate the party’s example in promoting democratic principles and responsible political conduct.

The SDP chairman who called on Nigerians and political stakeholders to work collectively towards strengthening democratic institutions and ensuring national progress, expressed optimism that with sustained commitment to democratic ideals, Nigeria can overcome its challenges and move closer to achieving its national aspirations.

The SDP NEC had earlier approved and ratified the appointment of Dr. Sadiq Abubakar Gombe as the National Chairman of the party.

The motion to this effect was moved by a member, House of Representatives, representing Karu/;Keffi/ Okona Federal Constituency, Hon. Gaza Jonathan Gbefwi.

The SDP NEC also ratified the appointment of Senator Ugochukwu Uba as the National Deputy Chairman, South, just as Mrs Rosemary Effiong’s appointment as National Labour and Civil Society Secretary.

The party’s NEC also ratified disciplinary measures comprising suspension of its former Chairman, Shehu Gabam and others over alleged gross financial misconduct, embezzlement, misappropriation, and diversion of party funds put at over N1 billion naira.

Recall that the NWC of the SDP had on 24th June last year, suspended Gabam over alleged grave allegations of gross financial misconduct, embezzlement, misappropriation, and diversion of party funds, just as the party also suspended two members of the NWC, namely Nze Nnadi Clarkson, National Auditor, and Uchechukwu Chukwuma, National Youth Leader, over the same offence.

At the meeting, the NEC also received and adopted the report on the state of the party presented by the National Secretary, Olu Agunloye.

The Committee subsequently approved and ratified all decisions and actions taken by the National Working Committee (NWC) between March 2022 and March 2026.

NEC also ratified the appointment of party members to fill vacant positions in both the National Working Committee and the National Executive Committee, even as it approved proposed programmes, schedules and timetables for the party’s 2026/2027 primaries, congresses, convention and other related political activities.

The Committee further endorsed the zoning arrangement for the offices of the National Chairman and the Presidential Candidate of the party.

NEC also authorised amendments to the 2022 Constitution of the party to reflect the zoning formula and other necessary adjustments.

NEC also directed the National Working Committee, NWC to fill vacant positions where necessary and to reorganise the administration and operations of party organs at national, zonal and state levels to improve efficiency and effectiveness.

Speaking further, the SDP National Chairman said, “We want to assure Nigerians that we will not take their confidence for granted. The SDP will continue to work to provide the credible alternative that Nigerians desire.”

The chairman also commended the party’s elected members in the National Assembly and State Houses of Assembly for their commitment to democratic ideals and good governance, just as he surged them to remain shining examples among their peers and to continue offering sound legislative guidance that will strengthen the party and Nigeria’s democracy.

Professor Gombe who appreciated election observers and monitoring groups for their presence during the party’s National Executive Committee meeting, expressing hope that their reports would reflect the orderly and transparent conduct of the proceedings, described the meeting as historic, he said the peaceful and civil manner in which the party conducted its internal processes demonstrates the SDP’s commitment to democratic values and internal discipline.

In his remarks, the SDP 2023 Presidential candidate,
Adewale Adebayo who called for reforms to Nigeria’s electoral laws to strengthen public confidence and ensure credible elections, stressed the need to remove provisions in the electoral framework that could undermine transparency and voter participation.

Adebayo who called on Nigerians to actively engage in the democratic process by coming out in large numbers to vote in future elections, recalled that Nigeria had previously conducted credible elections even during challenging periods, noting that the SDP recorded a historic victory in what is widely regarded as one of the freest and fairest elections in the country’s history.

According to him, restoring confidence in the electoral system will encourage greater participation and strengthen democracy, just as he urged political actors to prioritise the welfare of citizens and work towards building a governance system that reflects the aspirations of the Nigerian people.

Adebayo also maintained that the party remains committed to representing the interests of ordinary Nigerians, particularly those facing challenges such as inadequate infrastructure, unemployment, and limited access to essential services.

In his goodwill message, the 2023 governorship candidate of the Social Democratic Party in Nasarawa State, Alfa Mustapha Mohammed who urged members of the party to prioritise unity, peace and fairness in order to strengthen the party ahead of future elections, said that the success of the new leadership would depend largely on unity within the party and the collective support of members, particularly the National Working Committee.

He stressed that unity must be built on the foundation of peace, justice and fairness across all levels of the party, from the national leadership to the grassroots, noting that Nigerians are increasingly looking up to the SDP as a credible political alternative.

The former governorship candidate expressed confidence that with commitment and cooperation among members, the party would grow stronger and position itself effectively for the 2027 general elections.

Speaking for all the thirty- six state Chairmen and the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Chairman, Forum of State Chairmen of the Party, Femi Olaniyi who reaffirmed members’ support for the party’s national leadership, however continued cooperation to strengthen the party and advance its vision across the country.

Olaniyi who acknowledged the efforts of the National Chairman and members of the NWC in ensuring unity and focus within the party despite challenges, assured the leadership of their loyalty and commitment to working collectively in unity to deepen the party’s structures nationwide, stressing that sustained collaboration among party leaders would help the SDP grow stronger and remain a credible political platform in Nigeria.