SDP reclaims national secretariat as INEC recognises Gombe-led leadership
…Says Supreme Court Rulings, Due Process Vindicated Party’s Actions
By Henry Umoru
ABUJA — The National Working Committee (NWC) of the Social Democratic Party has reclaimed its national secretariat in Abuja, bringing to a close months of internal leadership disputes and political infighting.
Addressing journalists on Monday after leading members of the NWC to take possession of the party office, SDP National Chairman, Sadiq Umar Abubakar Gombe, said a series of Supreme Court judgments and recognition by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had resolved the party’s protracted leadership crisis.
Gombe described the development as a significant milestone in the party’s history, noting that it marked the culmination of nearly a year of internal reforms, legal battles and adherence to constitutional procedures.
According to him, disciplinary measures taken against some members followed investigations by a committee set up by the NWC, whose recommendations were reviewed by a White Paper Committee before sanctions were imposed in line with the party’s constitution.
“The SDP remains the ideological alternative Nigerians have been yearning for. We are committed to providing the leadership required for the 21st century and ensuring that Nigeria takes its rightful place among the leading nations of the world,” he said.
He maintained that all affected members were given a fair hearing and that due process was strictly followed throughout the disciplinary proceedings.
“Today is a great day for all of us. It is significant because it comes almost exactly one year after the National Working Committee, acting within the powers granted to it by the party’s constitution, took disciplinary action against some erring members,” Gombe stated.
The SDP chairman said the Supreme Court, in a judgment delivered on December 19, 2025, arising from a dispute involving the party’s Ekiti State governorship candidate, affirmed that the internal affairs of political parties remain the exclusive preserve of the parties.
“The Supreme Court ruled that all decisions taken by the party are binding on members and that internal affairs of political parties are matters for the parties themselves to determine,” he said.
Gombe also accused INEC of initially refusing to recognise communications from the party’s leadership after the disciplinary actions, alleging that the commission demanded correspondence signed by individuals who had already been expelled from the party.
He, however, said subsequent court rulings eventually validated the party’s position.
According to him, the party held a National Executive Committee meeting on March 9, 2026, under INEC supervision, during which disciplinary actions, appointments and leadership decisions were ratified.
He added that INEC certified the proceedings as being in compliance with the party’s constitution, the Electoral Act and the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Gombe further disclosed that the SDP held its national convention on May 9, 2026, in Bauchi, where members of the National Working Committee were elected and re-elected.
He said the convention also produced Adewole Adebayo as the party’s presidential candidate for the 2027 election.
“We are the first political party in Nigeria in 2026 to conduct both our national convention and presidential primary. We elected Prince Adewole Adebayo as our presidential candidate in a convention that was televised and livestreamed globally,” he said.
Gombe revealed that following another Supreme Court ruling delivered on May 22, 2026, INEC reviewed the party’s submissions and restored the names of the recognised NWC members, including his own as substantive national chairman, on the commission’s portal.
Describing the outcome as a victory for constitutionalism, internal democracy and the rule of law, he urged political parties to embrace due process in resolving internal disputes.
“It is only due process that brought us to where we are today. We remained patient, committed and followed the law diligently. That is why we are here,” he said.
The SDP chairman also extended an olive branch to aggrieved members, saying the party remained open to reconciliation.
“As parents forgive their children when they err, the party remains open to members who may have offended it, provided they are willing to retrace their steps and work for the collective interest of the SDP and Nigeria,” he said.
Gombe thanked the judiciary, INEC, the media and the party’s presidential candidate for their support throughout the leadership crisis.
Commending the courts and electoral commission for what he described as their commitment to justice, he expressed optimism that both institutions would continue to strengthen democratic governance and public confidence in Nigeria’s electoral process.
“We have no other country except Nigeria. The responsibility of rebuilding it belongs to all of us. With commitment, diligence and the fear of God, Nigeria can take its rightful place in Africa and the Black world,” he added.
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