SDP Regains Abuja Secretariat After Leadership Dispute Resolution

The National Working Committee (NWC) of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) has reclaimed the party’s national secretariat in Abuja after months of internal leadership disputes.

Leadership Crisis Settled by Legal Rulings

SDP National Chairman Sadiq Umar Abubakar Gombe announced the development on Monday after leading NWC members to take possession of the party office. He said Supreme Court judgments and recognition by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had resolved the party’s protracted leadership crisis.

A Milestone for Internal Democracy

Gombe described the moment as a great day for the party, noting it comes almost exactly one year after the NWC, acting under the party’s constitution, took disciplinary action against some members. He added that the disciplinary measures followed investigations and recommendations reviewed in line with the constitution, and that affected members were given a fair hearing.

He characterised the development as a milestone in SDP’s history and reiterated the party’s commitment to internal democracy.

Vision for Nigeria’s Future

“The SDP remains the ideological alternative Nigerians have been yearning for,” Gombe said. “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.”

Convention and Presidential Primary

The chairman noted that the party held a National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting on March 9, 2026, under INEC supervision, where disciplinary actions and leadership decisions were ratified. The national convention followed on May 9, 2026, in Bauchi, where members of the NWC were elected and re‑elected.

“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 added.

Victory for Constitutionalism and Rule of Law

Gombe said the outcome was a victory for constitutionalism, internal democracy and the rule of law. “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 stated.

Call for Reconciliation

He also extended an olive branch to aggrieved members, saying the party remains 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,” Gombe concluded.