SDP Reclaims Abuja Secretariat After Leadership Tussle

The National Working Committee (NWC) of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) has reclaimed the party’s national secretariat in Abuja after months of internal leadership disputes.

The SDP National Chairman, Sadiq Umar Abubakar Gombe, disclosed this on Monday after leading members of the NWC to take possession of the party office.

Gombe said Supreme Court judgments and recognition by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had resolved the party’s protracted leadership crisis.

“Today is a great day for all of us. It is significant because it comes almost exactly one year after the National Working Committee, acting within the powers granted to it by the party’s constitution, took disciplinary action against some erring members,” he said.

He said the disciplinary measures followed investigations and recommendations reviewed in line with the party’s constitution, adding that affected members were given a fair hearing.

Gombe described the development as a milestone in the party’s history and said the SDP remained committed to internal democracy.

“The SDP remains the ideological alternative Nigerians have been yearning for. We are committed to providing the leadership required for the 21st century and ensuring that Nigeria takes its rightful place among the leading nations of the world,” he said.

INEC Recognises NWC

The chairman said the party held a National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting on March 9, 2026, under INEC supervision, where disciplinary actions and leadership decisions were ratified.

He added that the party’s national convention was held on May 9, 2026, in Bauchi, where members of the NWC were elected and re-elected.

“We are the first political party in Nigeria in 2026 to conduct both our national convention and presidential primary. We elected Prince Adewole Adebayo as our presidential candidate in a convention that was televised and livestreamed globally,” he said.

Gombe said the outcome was a victory for constitutionalism, internal democracy and the rule of law.

“It is only due process that brought us to where we are today. We remained patient, committed and followed the law diligently. That is why we are here,” he said.

He also extended an olive branch to aggrieved members, saying the party remained open to reconciliation.

“As parents forgive their children when they err, the party remains open to members who may have offended it, provided they are willing to retrace their steps and work for the collective interest of the SDP and Nigeria,” he said.