Nigeria's SDP Pledges Greater Role for Women in Politics

The Social Democratic Party (SDP) in Nigeria is embarking on a significant push to elevate the role of women within its ranks, promising greater inclusion in political appointments, electoral contests, and party decision-making. This commitment comes as the party's women leaders initiate a nationwide mobilization campaign in anticipation of future elections.

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The SDP is undergoing reforms and reorganisation aimed at strengthening its structures and positioning it for future political activities.

Professor Sadiq Gombe, the National Chairman of the SDP, conveyed this assurance during a strategic meeting with national and state women leaders in Abuja. Represented by Senator Ugochukwu Uba, the South-South Deputy National Chairman, Gombe highlighted that the party is undergoing comprehensive reforms and reorganization. These efforts are designed to bolster its organizational structures and position the SDP effectively for upcoming political engagements.

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women would be given their rightful place in political appointments, party administration and elections.

Gombe assured the women members that their rightful place in political appointments, party administration, and elections would be secured. He further stated that the party's forthcoming manifesto would incorporate policies across various economic and societal sectors, specifically including provisions to foster greater female participation and inclusion in the political arena. The SDP chairman characterized the party as ideologically driven, dedicated to the welfare of Nigerians and aligned with the principles outlined in the Nigerian Constitution.

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Women could no longer afford to remain on the margins of the political process, urging them to organise themselves and establish functional structures across states, local government areas, wards and communities.

Ambassador Hajiya Sa’adatu Abdullahi, the National Speaker of the SDP Women Parliament, urged women leaders to intensify grassroots mobilization and establish robust structures from the state level down to communities. She stressed that women could no longer remain on the periphery of politics, emphasizing that effective participation requires more than just aspirations. Success, she noted, depends on organization, sacrifice, strategy, commitment, and sustained engagement with the grassroots. The SDP Women Parliament is determined to strengthen its foundations and mobilize more women for active involvement in party activities.

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Effective political participation required more than mere aspirations, stressing that success at the polls was dependent on organisation, sacrifice, strategy, commitment and sustained engagement with the grassroots.