2027: SDP meets INEC over leadership crisis, reaffirms convention structure,

The Social Democratic Party (SDP) has reaffirmed its leadership structure and internal disciplinary actions following a meeting with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) at the Commission’s headquarters on Monday in Abuja.

The SDP delegation, led by its national chairman, Prof. Sadiq Umar Gombe and other members of the National Working Committee (NWC), attended the meeting at the invitation of the INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, to address matters relating to the party’s internal administration and recent disciplinary actions.

Speaking to the press after the meeting, Prof. Gombe stated that 11 of the 15 members of the NWC were present, to demonstrate that the party’s leadership and structure are intact.

He noted that three members had been suspended and given the opportunity to appear before a disciplinary committee. One member, the National Auditor, appeared and apologized. The other two were suspended and subsequently expelled after the expiration of of the period to appeal their suspension had elapsed before their eventual expulsion.

“On 9th March 2026, the National Executive Committee (NEC) of the SDP convened at Newton Park Hotel and Resort, in Abuja. INEC monitored the meeting, and a certified true copy of the NEC report was duly submitted to the Commission. The NEC ratified and approved both the appointments of the current NWC members and the expulsion of Alhaji Shehu Musa Gabam from the party.

“The NEC is the organ responsible for the day-to-day running of the party. Its decision supersedes all others. From that day, Alhaji Shehu Musa Gabam ceased to be a member of the SDP,” Gombe said.

The SDP leader noted that Article 19C of the party’s constitution provides that any member disciplined has five working days to appeal through internal mechanisms.

He said, “Gabam did not utilize this provision and did not challenge the NEC decision in any court of competent jurisdiction within the stipulated timeframe.

“The party also held a national convention, which is the highest organ of the party, to ratify the expulsion and suspension and to elect new NWC leaders. The convention and presidential primaries were conducted transparently and aired live for public viewing,” he said.

Gombe said the SDP delegation expressed surprise that the INEC Chairman stated the Commission had not received correspondence regarding the suspension and expulsion of 24th June 2025 and the expulsion of Gabam.

He said the party later presented duly acknowledged copies submitted to INEC by the National Secretary, Dr. Olu Agunloye.

He said, “SDP is an institution responsible for managing its internal affairs. It is not INEC’s portal that determines who is Chairman or who is not. The National Executive Committee is the administrative organ responsible for all such decisions.”

Responding to questions on the court judgment INEC is said to be relying on, the SDP national chairman stated that it possesses a certified true copy of the judgment, clarifying that Gabam was not a party to the suit and his name is not mentioned in the judgment.

“The judgment was delivered on 27th March, after the NEC meeting of 9th March, which the party argues supersedes the court decision.

“Even if the judgment said ‘remove,’ which it did not, there is a recognized person to take that position under the party constitution. The NEC supersedes whatever,” Gombe said.

He added that the success of the party’s national convention can be emulated by the remaining 21 registered political parties, as it saw the SDP being the first to organise a national convention, ratified the leadership he led and also elected Prince Adewole Adebayo as the first presidential candidate for the 2027 general election.