***Caution new members against bypassing proper channels of entry
The Social Democratic Party (SDP) has taken a firm stance on its future as the Forum of its State Chairmen has reaffirmed its confidence in the party’s leadership while cautioning against any moves to alter its core identity.
In a communiqué issued on Thursday at the Green Minds Hotel Conference Centre in Abuja, the Forum of SDP State Chairmen declared full support for the party’s National Chairman, Alhaji Shehu Musa Gabam, and National Secretary, Dr. Olu Agunloye, applauding their efforts in repositioning the party.
Amidst a wave of high-profile defections into the SDP, the chairmen stressed that new members must be integrated through proper party channels. “New members are welcome, but they cannot admit or register themselves,” the communiqué stated, reinforcing that state leadership remains the gateway for party membership.
The forum also warned against any hasty changes to the party’s name, logo, or constitution, insisting that such decisions must undergo thorough deliberation by the National Executive Council (NEC).
Additionally, they rejected any attempts to dissolve democratically elected structures to accommodate new entrants, emphasizing that elected officials must serve their full terms.
Reaffirming SDP’s democratic ethos, the chairmen pledged to resist any moves that could subordinate the party to personal or sectional ambitions.
“The SDP belongs to all Nigerians. It must not be hijacked by any individual or interest group,” they declared.
With elections on the horizon and an influx of political heavyweights into the party, the SDP leadership appears set on preserving its identity while expanding its influence. Whether these internal guidelines will prevent friction or spark further debates remains to be seen.