The newly ratified National Chairman of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Prof. Sadiq Gombe, has called for credible, transparency and fairness in Nigeria’s electoral process ahead of the 2027 general elections.
He was speaking on Monday in Abuja at the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC).
Speaking after his ratification as the substantive national chairman of the party, Prof. Gombe urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the National Assembly to ensure that the provisions of the Electoral Act are fully implemented to guarantee free, fair and credible elections.
He noted that political parties and other stakeholders have continued to express concerns over certain aspects of the Electoral Act, emphasising the need for reforms that will strengthen public confidence in Nigeria’s democratic process.
According to him, the SDP remains ready to actively participate in the 2027 elections, recalling that the party played a historic role in Nigeria’s democratic journey over three decades ago when it won what is widely regarded as one of the most credible elections in the country’s history.
He said that the growing support for the party at the grassroots and national levels demonstrates the confidence Nigerians have in the SDP as a credible political alternative.
“We want to assure Nigerians that we will not take their confidence for granted. The SDP will continue to work to provide the credible alternative that Nigerians desire,” he said.
The SDP chairman also commended the party’s elected members in the National Assembly and State Houses of Assembly for their commitment to democratic ideals and good governance.
He urged them to remain shining examples among their peers and to continue offering sound legislative guidance that will strengthen the party and Nigeria’s democracy.
Prof. Gombe further appreciated election observers and monitoring groups for their presence during the party’s National Executive Committee meeting, expressing hope that their reports would reflect the orderly and transparent conduct of the proceedings.
Describing the meeting as historic, he said the peaceful and civil manner in which the party conducted its internal processes demonstrates the SDP’s commitment to democratic values and internal discipline.
He encouraged other political parties to emulate the party’s example in promoting democratic principles and responsible political conduct.
The SDP chairman also called on Nigerians and political stakeholders to work collectively towards strengthening democratic institutions and ensuring national progress.
He expressed optimism that with sustained commitment to democratic ideals, Nigeria can overcome its challenges and move closer to achieving its national aspirations.
In his goodwill message, the 2023 governorship candidate of the Social Democratic Party in Nasarawa State, Alfa Mustapha Mohammed, urged members of the party to prioritise unity, peace and fairness in order to strengthen the party ahead of future elections.
Mohammed said the success of the new leadership would depend largely on unity within the party and the collective support of members, particularly the National Working Committee.
He stressed that unity must be built on the foundation of peace, justice and fairness across all levels of the party, from the national leadership to the grassroots, noting that Nigerians are increasingly looking up to the SDP as a credible political alternative.
The former governorship candidate expressed confidence that with commitment and cooperation among members, the party would grow stronger and position itself effectively for the 2027 general elections.
The NEC after deliberations also ratified the appointment of Professor Sadiq Gombe as the substantive party’s National Chairman and approved several strategic decisions aimed at strengthening the party’s structure and operations.
At the meeting, the NEC also received and adopted the report on the state of the party presented by the National Secretary, Dr. Olu Agunloye.
The committee subsequently approved and ratified all decisions and actions taken by the National Working Committee (NWC) between March 2022 and March 2026.
Among other resolutions, NEC ratified the appointment of party members to fill vacant positions in both the NWC and the NEC.
It also approved proposed programmes, schedules and timetables for the party’s 2026/2027 primaries, congresses, convention and other related political activities.
The committee further endorsed the zoning arrangement for the offices of the National Chairman and the Presidential Candidate of the party.
NEC equally authorised amendments to the 2022 Constitution of the party to reflect the zoning formula and other necessary adjustments.
In addition, NEC approved disciplinary measures taken within the party between March 25, 2022 and March 8, 2026, including suspensions, expulsions and the acceptance of resignations of some party officials.
The committee also directed the NWC to fill vacant positions where necessary and to reorganise the administration and operations of party organs at national, zonal and state levels to improve efficiency and effectiveness.
On his part, the Chairman Forum of State Chairmen of the SDP, Hon. Femi Olaniyi reaffirmed support for the party’s national leadership, pledging continued cooperation to strengthen the party and advance its vision across the country.
Olaniyi acknowledged the efforts of the National Chairman and members of the National Working Committee in maintaining unity and focus within the party despite challenges.
According to him, the state chairmen assured the leadership of their loyalty and commitment to working collectively in unity to deepen the party’s structures nationwide, stressing that sustained collaboration among party leaders would help the SDP grow stronger and remain a credible political platform in Nigeria.
Also, former presidential candidate of the SDP in the 2023 general elections, Prince Adewole Adebayo, called for reforms to Nigeria’s electoral laws to strengthen public confidence and ensure credible elections.
Adebayo stressed the need to remove provisions in the electoral framework that could undermine transparency and voter participation.
He also urged citizens to actively engage in the democratic process by coming out in large numbers to vote in future elections.
The former presidential candidate recalled that Nigeria had previously conducted credible elections even during challenging periods, noting that the SDP recorded a historic victory in what is widely regarded as one of the freest and fairest elections in the country’s history.
According to him, restoring confidence in the electoral system will encourage greater participation and strengthen democracy.
Adebayo maintained that the party remains committed to representing the interests of ordinary Nigerians, particularly those facing challenges such as inadequate infrastructure, unemployment, and limited access to essential services.
He urged political actors to prioritise the welfare of citizens and work towards building a governance system that reflects the aspirations of the Nigerian people.
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