SDP resolves internal crisis, declares readiness for 2027 polls

The National Working Committee (NWC) of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), led by Prof. Abubakar Umar Sadiq Gombe, on Wednesday assured Nigerians that the party had resolved all its internal leadership crises, declaring that it was united and ready to offer credible leadership ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Addressing newsmen in Abuja alongside members of the NWC, Prof. Sadiq Gombe said all disciplinary and constitutional processes undertaken to resolve the crisis had been conducted transparently, stressing that there was no longer any internal rancour.

He explained that the party had strengthened its internal democracy through nationwide training programmes for party officials to improve efficiency and grassroots participation.

Prof. Gombe, who described the party as the best political alternative for Nigerians, promised transparent leadership, accountability and credible internal processes capable of delivering good governance if elected in 2027.

He also disclosed that all former national officers accused of financial misconduct were facing criminal prosecution in the appropriate courts.

According to the party, investigations uncovered alleged financial misappropriation involving hundreds of bank transactions, with about 79 per cent of the funds allegedly traced to some individuals.

He stated that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had formally recognised the current leadership, including himself as National Chairman, Dr Olu Agunloye as National Secretary, Hajiya Maryam Majidadi Batubo as National Treasurer and Anete Beridoo as National Financial Secretary, as the authentic signatories to the party’s accounts.

He explained that following the development, his leadership had been able to upload the details of the party’s presidential and vice-presidential candidates, as well as its National Assembly candidates, through the INEC access code issued to him. He added that the process of uploading the details of the party’s governorship and State House of Assembly candidates was ongoing.

The SDP chairman also disclosed that recent Supreme Court judgments had affirmed the party’s internal disciplinary actions and directed INEC to recognise decisions taken in line with the party’s constitution and the Electoral Act.

Prof. Gombe further disclosed that a Federal High Court had affirmed the SDP’s Osun State governorship candidate as the duly nominated candidate produced through a primary election monitored by INEC.

He accused some expelled officials of attempting to undermine the party and the judiciary through protests and media campaigns following the court decisions.

He also alleged that the former officials illegally sold nomination forms and collected payments into private accounts instead of the party’s official accounts.

He warned members of the public against conducting business with expelled officials, advising prospective members and aspirants to verify all transactions through the office of the National Secretary or recognised members of the National Working Committee.

Reaffirming the party’s commitment to national unity, Prof. Sadiq Abubakar Gombe said the SDP leadership was working as one team, regardless of regional affiliations, and remained focused on offering Nigerians a transparent, accountable and credible alternative government in 2027.

However, the faction of the party led by Alhaji Shehu Musa Gabam has yet to react to the development.