By Henry Umoru
Ahead of the 2027 presidential and general elections, the National Working Committee, NWC, of the Social Democratic Party, SDP, has disclosed that its national convention would be held on May 9 in Bauchi State.
Addressing journalists in Abuja on Tuesday, SDP National Chairman, Professor Sadiq Gombe, disclosed that Dr. Usman Bugaje is Chairman, Convention Planning Committee, with former House of Representatives member, Mulikat Akande, as Deputy Chairman, while Gaza Jonathan Gbefwi, representing Keffi/Karu/Kokona Federal Constituency, Nasarawa State, will serve as the Secretary.
Ahead of the National Convention, Gombe has reaffirmed the party’s compliance with electoral regulations and the legitimacy of its leadership following a verification exercise conducted by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Tuesday at the party’s National Secretariat.
Professor Gombe who explained that an 11-member INEC delegation carried out a comprehensive review of the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC), National Working Committee (NWC), and administrative structures, said that the exercise included physical identification of party leaders, inspection of financial records, verification of staff strength and duties, and confirmation of the party’s nationwide presence in line with legal requirements.
The SDP National Chairman said “We had full representation of our NEC members, including state chairmen from all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory. This demonstrates our unity and compliance with the law.”
Gombe, who disclosed that INEC officials also examined the party’s membership register, both electronic and hard copies, as well as documentation relating to its headquarters and financial operations, said that the party has fulfilled all statutory obligations under the Electoral Act, including maintaining offices in at least two-thirds of the states.
He confirmed that political parties are required to submit their membership registers by May 9, 2026, ahead of primaries scheduled to conclude on May 30, 2026.
On internal matters, the SDP Chairman emphasised that decisions taken by the party’s NEC remain binding, citing judgments of the Supreme Court of Nigeria, which affirm that internal party affairs are the exclusive preserve of political parties, just as he maintained that the current leadership emerged from a duly constituted NEC meeting held in March 2025, with INEC in attendance.
The SDP leadership also referenced a recent ruling by the Supreme Court which, it said, resolved disputes concerning the party, including a governorship matter, in its favour.
Prof. Gombe commended state and zonal leaders for their support and commitment, noting that the ongoing membership registration exercise has recorded encouraging participation nationwide. He expressed confidence in the party’s prospects ahead of the 2027 general elections.
“We are not taking anything for granted. We remain committed to the growth of the party and the progress of our democracy,” he said.
The Chairman called on the media to report the party’s activities accurately, with a reaffirmation of the SDP’s commitment to democratic principles and national development in Nigeria.
When asked about the party’s position with regard to the Chairman, Senate Committee on Public Accounts, Senator Aliyu Wadada, Nasarawa West and his alleged association with another political party, the National Publicity Secretary, Ambassador Araba Rufus Aiyenigba, clarified that the party had not received any formal resignation from the Senator.
“As of today, no formal resignation has been communicated to the party,” Aiyenigba said. “Under Nigerian law, an individual cannot belong to two political parties at the same time. Until the proper process is followed, he remains a member of the SDP.”
Aiyenigba, who disclosed that the matter goes beyond party politics as it speaks to discipline, integrity, and respect for the rule of law, said that as a party, it will remain committed to upholding these principles, adding that the matter was being reviewed by the party’s legal department and that appropriate action would be taken.
He said, “Let me emphasize that under Nigerian law, an individual cannot validly belong to two political parties at the same time. Senator Wadada currently occupies a position in the National Assembly under the platform of the SDP. Therefore, until he fulfils all necessary requirements, including formal resignation, he remains a member of the SDP. You cannot eat your cake and have it.
“The party takes this matter seriously. Our legal department and leadership are actively reviewing the situation, and appropriate steps will be taken to ensure that due process is followed and justice is served.”
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