SDP fixes May 9 for national convention

The Social Democratic Party (SDP) in Nigeria is once again in the spotlight, this time for scheduling its national convention in Bauchi State on May 9, a move that appears to defy the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) amidst a protracted leadership crisis. Prof. Sadiq Gombe, who claims to be the embattled National Chairman, announced the convention and nationwide congresses, asserting that the party will not be deterred by the ongoing controversy.

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As you can see we have 11 of our 12-member National Working Committee here today. They have spent the last two weeks preparing for the activities of the party ahead of the 2027 elections.

Gombe's faction, which includes 11 out of the 12-member National Working Committee, insists on their focus towards the 2027 elections, portraying the SDP as a party that resolves its internal issues in accordance with the Electoral Act and the constitution. This narrative positions the SDP as a resilient political entity, capable of navigating internal conflicts unlike other opposition parties whose leaders reportedly abandon ship during crises.

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So, the party can’t be distracted. We are focused and our eyes are on the ball. This is arguably one of the few parties around that resolve all its issues internally in line with the Electoral Act and the constitution of the land.

However, the party's National Secretary, Dr. Olu Agunloye, directly challenged INEC's recognition of Shehu Gabam as the National Chairman. Agunloye argued that INEC's action constitutes an overreach, as neither the Electoral Act nor the Nigerian constitution empowers the commission to determine a political party's leadership. He highlighted that Gabam was suspended and expelled in June 2025, yet INEC continued to list him, and that Gombe assumed the chairmanship based on the party's constitution following Gabam's expulsion for alleged fraud and misconduct.

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We use this opportunity to invite you to our congresses nationwide and also to our national convention coming up on May 9 in Bauchi State.

This internal strife within the SDP is not new. The party's National Working Committee recently rejected INEC's recognition of Gabam, deeming it unconstitutional and an intrusion into their internal affairs. The situation is further complicated by a Court of Appeal ruling that affirmed Gabam as the authentic National Chairman, a decision that followed a dispute arising from the Ekiti State governorship primary. From a Nigerian perspective, such leadership tussles and the role of INEC in recognizing party executives are recurring themes in the country's political landscape, often leading to legal battles and uncertainty within political parties.

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In this particular case (recognition of Gabam as national chairman), INEC erred. There is nothing in the rules and guidelines which says INEC can determine the chairman of a party. There is also nothing in the Electoral Act 2026 that states INEC can determine who heads a party.