***Fixes Congresses May 1–5, Convention May 9
The Social Democratic Party (SDP) has taken a firm position against the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), accusing the electoral umpire of overstepping its constitutional bounds by altering the party’s leadership listing.
The dispute follows the removal of Professor Sadiq Abubakar Gombe as National Chairman on INEC’s official portal and his replacement with Shehu Musa Gabam—a move the party insists lacks legal backing.
Addressing journalists in Abuja, Gombe described INEC’s action as unlawful and without constitutional foundation, stressing that no court had authorised any leadership change within the party.
“There is no court pronouncement anywhere giving INEC the power to install party chairmen. They cannot produce any such judgment. INEC has erred in this matter,” he said.
He argued that the commission’s role remains strictly regulatory, warning that any attempt to determine party leadership amounts to interference in internal affairs.
“There is nothing in the Electoral Act that empowers INEC to determine who leads a political party. There is also nothing in the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria that gives INEC such authority,” Gombe stated.
According to him, leadership questions within political parties are governed solely by party constitutions and internal democratic processes, not administrative decisions by external bodies.
“The internal affairs of political parties are strictly governed by their constitutions. INEC’s role is regulatory, not managerial,” he added.
‘No Crisis in SDP’
Dismissing suggestions of internal wrangling, Gombe maintained that the SDP remains stable and fully in control of its structures nationwide.
“We are fully in charge of our internal affairs. There is no crisis in the SDP. What is being circulated is a misrepresentation,” he said.
He further insisted that the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) remains validly constituted under the authority of its last convention.
“Our National Working Committee is legitimate. We operate strictly within the mandate given by our constitution and convention decisions,” he added.
Congresses, Convention Timetable Unveiled
Despite the controversy, the party rolled out an ambitious timetable for its internal electoral processes ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Gombe announced that nationwide congresses will commence from May 1 to May 5, 2026, beginning at the grassroots level and progressing through all tiers of the party structure.
“We are starting our congresses from the 1st to the 5th of next month, beginning with ward congresses and local government congresses across the country,” he said.
The schedule, he explained, will run as follows:
May 1–2: Ward congresses nationwide
May 3: Local government congresses
May 4: State congresses across the 36 states and the FCT
May 5: Zonal congresses across the six geopolitical zones
The congresses, he noted, will culminate in the party’s national convention.
Gombe confirmed that the SDP National Convention is slated for May 9, 2026, at the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa Stadium.
“The national convention will take place in Bauchi on May 9. It will bring together delegates from across the federation to consolidate our preparations for 2027,” he said.
He added that preparations were already in full swing, covering logistics, accreditation and coordination of delegates nationwide.
Focus on 2027
Reaffirming the party’s electoral ambition, Gombe said the SDP remains undeterred by the leadership controversy and is focused on presenting a credible alternative in the next general elections.
“We are focused, not distracted. Our eyes are on the goal. The SDP remains ideological and committed to offering Nigerians a credible alternative,” he said.
He also cautioned INEC against actions that could undermine party autonomy, urging the commission to operate strictly within its constitutional mandate.
“INEC must respect the boundaries of its authority. Political parties are not extensions of the commission,” he warned.
Gombe expressed confidence that the party would emerge stronger from its congresses and convention, positioning itself for a competitive outing in 2027.
“We will come out of this process more united and better prepared to contest and win elections,” he said.
