Ahead of the 2027 elections, the Social Democratic Party (SDP) says it remains committed to a transparent and credible national convention scheduled for May 9 in Bauchi State.
The SDP National Chairman, Prof. Sadiq Gombe, said this on Wednesday in Abuja while inaugurating four of the special committees to ensure the success of the convention.
The party has also commenced screening of aspirants, including its presidential hopeful, Prince Adewale Adebayo, and other contestants for various elective positions.
Prof. Gombe said the party had made extensive preparations to ensure a smooth and hitch-free convention process.
“We have set up over four committees, including the Screening Committee, Electoral Committee, Convention Committee and several sub-committees, each with clearly defined responsibilities to ensure a credible exercise,” he said.
According to him, the screening exercise was taking place at the party’s conference hall, which also serves as its registered office with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
He said the exercise covers all aspirants for elective positions, including the presidency, governorship seats across the 36 states, National Assembly, and State Houses of Assembly.
The SDP leader said the party was determined to field candidates in all constituencies nationwide, as members were upbeat on their chances across the country.
He urged members of the screening committee to discharge their duties with fairness and transparency.
He said,, “We have confidence in the competence and integrity of the committee members. They must carry out their responsibilities with diligence, fairness and transparency.”
Gombe urged aspirants and party members to remain peaceful and adhere strictly to established guidelines to ensure success for the party at all levels.
“We assure all members that the process will be conducted strictly in line with established guidelines,” Gombe said.
He assured of the commitment of the National Working Committee (NWC) to deliver a transparent and credible process.
He also commended Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed who recently defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) for supporting the exercise despite partisan differences.
“Given difficulties in securing a venue, we decided to move it to Bauchi, since constitutionally the convention can take place anywhere in the country.
“We sincerely appreciate the Governor of Bauchi State who, despite not being a member of the SDP, graciously provided us with a venue for our convention,” Gombe said.
He assured that extensive preparations had been made to ensure a hitch-free convention, including arrangements for the safety of delegates and party members travelling to Bauchi and during their stay for the convention.
Responding, the Chairman of the Screening Committee, Air Vice Marshal Sadiq Liman (retd.), said the committee would strictly enforce eligibility requirements.
He warned that any aspirant who fails to meet stipulated conditions would be disqualified.
“In spite of our different levels of familiarity, we must approach this assignment with diligence and integrity.
“The screening would be conducted in line with the party’s constitution and electoral guidelines, “ Liman said.
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