The Social Democratic Party (SDP), has debunked the existence of court order restraining Prof Sadiq Abubakar Gombe as the national chairman, stressing that the party remained united, focused, and fully prepared for the 2027 general elections.
Speaking in Abuja, Prof Gombe
said SDP had already commenced preparations for the elections through a structured timetable of activities, including ward congresses, local government congresses, state congresses, zonal congresses, and a national convention expected to hold May 9.
According to him, many party members had already shown interest in contesting for various positions, including seats in state assemblies, the National Assembly, governorship positions, and the presidency.
Gombe stressed that the party would not be distracted by external pressures, insisting that all matters relating to party affairs remained the exclusive responsibility of the political party.
He assured supporters that the SDP remained committed to its ideological foundation and would continue to pursue political participation based on due process, constitutional order, and the Electoral Act.
The chairman also referenced the party’s recent National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting, which he said was successfully held with broad participation from party leaders across the country and monitored by officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
He reaffirmed the party’s determination to win as many elective positions as possible in the 2027 general elections.
The National Secretary, Dr Olu Agunloye, also dismissed concerns over developments surrounding the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) portal, insisting that the party remained peaceful, disciplined, and firmly in control of its internal affairs.
He maintained that the SDP remained “one of the most peaceful and law-abiding political parties in the country”, stressing that “while the party does not seek conflict, it is prepared to respond appropriately whenever issues arise.”
On the controversy over names appearing on the INEC website, Agunloye argued that the electoral body has no constitutional or legal power to determine who leads a political party.
“Neither the Nigerian Constitution, the Electoral Act, nor the party’s constitution grants INEC authority to appoint or decide party chairmanship positions.”
He explained that the current leadership emerged through constitutional succession within the party after the suspension of a former chairman over allegations of misconduct and breach of party rules.
Agunloye described any discrepancies on the INEC portal as administrative mistakes that should not cause any alarm, adding that the party remained focused on its internal processes and future elections.
He further stated that the SDP would continue with its plans, including its convention and preparations for the 2027 general elections, without distraction.
