ABUJA — The National Chairman of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Prof. Sadiq Umar Abubakar Gombe, has formally announced his assumption of office as the INEC-recognised leader of the party, declaring an end to months of internal leadership crisis and legal battles, and inviting members of the press and the public to witness his takeover of the party secretariat on Monday in Abuja.
Speaking at a press briefing on Sunday, Prof. Gombe said the event marks “a great day” for the party, coming nearly a year after what he described as a series of constitutional, disciplinary, and judicial processes that ultimately reaffirmed the legitimacy of the current National Working Committee (NWC).
“Today is a great day for all of us, for many significances and milestones achieved by the party over the last one year,” he said, noting that the developments culminated in what he described as final recognition of the party leadership structure by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) following Supreme Court pronouncements.
Gombe recalled that the crisis within the party began on June 24, 2025, when the National Working Committee exercised its constitutional powers to suspend certain members over alleged infractions. According to him, the action triggered an internal disciplinary process that included the setting up of an investigative committee, which submitted recommendations after reviewing the allegations.
He explained that some affected members participated in the disciplinary proceedings, while a White Paper committee later reviewed and ratified the decisions taken in line with the party constitution, particularly Article 19C, which he said provides for internal appeals within five working days.
“After the five days, any member who fails to appeal ceases to remain a member of the party if it is expulsion or suspension,” he stated.
The SDP chairman further referenced multiple legal battles involving the party, INEC, and expelled members, noting that the Supreme Court had, at different times, affirmed the authority of political parties over their internal affairs.
According to him, a landmark judgment delivered on December 19, 2025, established that INEC must recognise communications from duly authorised party leadership, even where such communication is transmitted through official representatives.
He also cited a Supreme Court decision of May 22 this year, which he said reaffirmed the authority of the party’s decisions on its governorship candidate in Ekiti State, insisting that the ruling reinforced the supremacy of internal party processes.
“Internal affairs of political parties are the exclusive preserve of the party,” Gombe said, adding that the judiciary had consistently declined to interfere in such matters.
Gombe disclosed that the party subsequently conducted its National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting on March 9, 2026, which was monitored by INEC officials and certified as compliant with both the party constitution and the Electoral Act. He said the NEC ratified all disciplinary measures, appointments, and leadership decisions taken by the NWC.
He added that the party’s National Convention held in Bauchi on May 9, 2026, where Prince Adewole Adebayo emerged as the party’s presidential candidate, further consolidated the leadership structure.
“We are the first political party in Nigeria to conduct our National Convention and presidential primaries in 2026. It was monitored and certified, and aired live across the country,” he said.
Despite what he described as initial reluctance by INEC to fully recognise the outcomes of the party’s internal processes, Gombe said the Commission eventually restored the names of the authentic leadership on its portal following judicial clarification and administrative review.
“At the end of the day, INEC came to the conclusion that reaffirmed our leadership as the authentic leadership of the party,” he stated.
He commended INEC and the judiciary for what he called their eventual commitment to due process, while urging other political parties in the country to emulate the SDP’s reliance on constitutional procedures and internal discipline.
“Our journey shows that due process works. If not for patience and strict adherence to the law, we would not have arrived at where we are today,” he said.
Gombe also used the occasion to call for unity within the party, urging aggrieved members to return and reconcile, stressing that the SDP remained open to all who were willing to abide by its constitution.
“We remain one party. Those who erred, knowingly or unknowingly, are welcome back if they are ready to repent and move forward with us,” he said.
He described the SDP as Nigeria’s “credible ideological alternative,” adding that the party is positioning itself to present leaders capable of addressing the country’s long-term challenges, including education, healthcare, infrastructure, security, and food production.
Looking ahead, Gombe said Nigeria’s demographic trajectory demands serious planning, warning that the country’s projected population growth requires urgent policy attention in governance and development.
“Leadership is about providing well-being, security, and a value system anchored on transparency and accountability,” he said.
He concluded by announcing that he would formally assume office at the party secretariat in Abuja on Monday, inviting journalists and stakeholders to witness the transition.
“We are back to office. We are ready to do whatever is necessary to promote good governance and reposition Nigeria for its rightful place among the committee of nations,” he said.
The SDP leadership says the event marks the final closure of its internal crisis and the beginning of a renewed phase of political consolidation ahead of future elections.
