SDP NEC Confirms New National Working Committee Members

The National Executive Committee (NEC) of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) has formally confirmed Sadiq Gombe as the party's national chairman during a meeting held in Abuja.

This ratification came after extensive discussions during the NEC's session on Monday, where the leadership of Gombe was overwhelmingly backed, alongside commitments to foster unity, maintain stability, and enforce organizational discipline throughout the country.

A motion advocating for this leadership change was presented by Gaza Gbefwi, a member of the House of Representatives representing Karu/Keffi Federal Constituency, who urged NEC members to endorse the transition officially.

The motion received a second from Gbenga Akinbuli, the SDP chairman in Ondo State, who encouraged members to support the new leadership for greater unity and progress.

Furthermore, the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reported that the SDP NEC also ratified the appointment of Ugochukwu Uba, a former senator, as the national deputy chairman (South) and Rosemary Effiong as the national secretary.

The committee took disciplinary actions as well, which included the suspension of former National Chairman Shehu Gabam and several others due to alleged serious misconduct, following investigations concluded by the party.

The NEC reiterated its endorsement of all actions and decisions made by the National Working Committee (NWC) from March 2022 to March 2026, during which the NWC managed the party's operations nationally.

Additionally, they approved zoning guidelines for the roles of national chairman and presidential candidate, among other essential roles, to improve representation and strengthen inclusion within the party while fostering internal coherence.

In his acceptance address, Chairman Gombe reaffirmed that the SDP remains Nigeria’s most consistent political platform, attributing this stability to experienced leaders and dedicated members who adhere to procedural norms.

He emphasized that the party has maintained disciplined interactions with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), thereby demonstrating a commitment to constitutional integrity through consistent communication over several electoral cycles.

The new chairman mentioned that the party only resorted to legal actions after INEC overlooked their candidates during elections, necessitating lawsuits from the Federal High Court to the Supreme Court for redress.

Gombe called upon the INEC and the National Assembly to fortify the Electoral Act to assure transparency, fairness, and justice, ensuring that credible elections can be conducted ahead of the 2027 elections for the Nigerian populace.

"We are committed to providing Nigerians with a credible alternative represented by the SDP, which we have established today," Gombe stated.

In his goodwill address, Adewale Adebayo, the former SDP presidential candidate, alleged that certain provisions in the 2026 Electoral Act were manipulated, negatively impacting democracy.

Adebayo urged the National Assembly to alter the law to rebuild public trust and ensure transparency and credible elections while strengthening democratic frameworks and safeguarding Nigeria's electoral integrity.

Mulikat Akande, a former House of Representatives member, advised the party to avoid crises akin to those encountered by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) by consistently upholding best practices.

The National Woman Leader, Sa’adatu Abdullahi, expressed gratitude to party members for a successful NEC meeting and urged ongoing cooperation, unity, and commitment to strengthen the party in preparation for future elections.

In his opening remarks, National Organising Secretary Joseph Abu indicated that the gathering exemplifies the party's determination to repair unity, bolster organizational structures, restore confidence, and stabilize its operations following a tumultuous internal period.

Abu highlighted that the SDP's foundation is anchored in social justice, inclusion, accountability, and governance centered on the citizens, which are the values that have sustained the party over time.

He asserted that the assembly showcases the collective resolve of members to create a more robust and cohesive political entity that can fulfill the hopes and aspirations of Nigerians across the country.

Members were urged by Abu to actively engage in party activities, emphasizing that unity, courage, and shared objectives are crucial for strengthening the party, enhancing grassroots support, and promoting democratic growth in Nigeria.

He expressed confidence in the SDP’s electoral capabilities, noting that the party has previously produced elected officials and is well-positioned to achieve even greater successes in forthcoming elections through unity, discipline, and commitment.