The National Chairman of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Prof. Sadiq Umar Gombe, has reaffirmed the party’s compliance with electoral regulations and the legitimacy of its leadership following a verification exercise conducted by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
Addressing journalists at the party’s National Secretariat on Tuesday in Abuja, Prof. Gombe disclosed that an 11-member INEC delegation carried out a comprehensive review of the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC), National Working Committee (NWC), and administrative structures.
According to him, the exercise included physical identification of party leaders, inspection of financial records, verification of staff strength, schedule and duties, and confirmation of the party’s nationwide presence in line with legal requirements.
“We had full representation of our NEC members, including state chairmen from all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory. This demonstrates our unity and compliance with the law,” Gombe said.
He said that INEC officials also examined the party’s membership register—both electronic and hard copies—as well as documentation relating to its headquarters and financial operations.
The SDP leader said that the party has fulfilled all statutory obligations under the Electoral Act, including maintaining offices in at least two-thirds of the states. He confirmed that political parties are required to submit their membership registers by May 9, 2026, ahead of primaries scheduled to conclude on May 30, 2026.
On internal matters, the SDP Chairman said that decisions taken by the party’s NEC remain binding, citing judgments of the Supreme Court of Nigeria, which affirm that internal party affairs are the exclusive preserve of political parties.
He also said that the current leadership emerged from a duly constituted NEC meeting held in March 2025 in Abuja, with INEC in attendance.
Responding to questions from journalists regarding Senator Ahmed Wadaa’s alleged association with another political party, the National Publicity Secretary, Ambassador Rufus Aiyenigba, clarified that the party had not received any formal resignation from the senator.
“As of today, no formal resignation has been communicated to the party,” Aiyenigba said. “Under Nigerian law, an individual cannot belong to two political parties at the same time. Until the proper process is followed, he remains a member of the SDP.”
The SDP spokesman added that the matter is being reviewed by the party’s legal department and that appropriate action would be taken.
The SDP leadership also referenced a recent ruling by the Supreme Court which, it said, resolved disputes concerning the party, including a governorship matter, in its favour.
Prof. Gombe commended state and zonal leaders for their support and commitment, noting that the ongoing membership registration exercise has recorded encouraging participation nationwide. He expressed confidence in the party’s prospects ahead of the 2027 general elections.
He said, “We are not taking anything for granted. We remain committed to the growth of the party and the progress of our democracy.”
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