Abuja: Social Democratic Party (SDP) on Wednesday declared its readiness for the 2027 general elections, affirming its unity and internal stability. Speaking at a news conference in Abuja, the SDP National Chairman, Dr. Abubakar Gombe, said that the party remained focused on its rescue mission.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Gombe stated that the National Working Committee (NWC) was fully functional, with nine of its 11 members present at the news conference while the others were on official engagements. The party has commenced preparations for congresses from ward to national levels, with its national convention scheduled for May 9.
‘We are starting our congresses from May 1st to 5th, starting with the ward and local government congresses, the state and zonal congresses. We will round it off with the national convention, which is slated to take place in Bauchi on May 9,’ Gombe said.
Gombe elaborated that the sales of nomination forms are ongoing, with members already expressing interest in state, national assembly, governorship, and presidential contests. He emphasized that despite ‘distractions and political shenanigans’, the party would not be derailed from its mission. Political parties have exclusive rights over internal affairs, and SDP’s leadership remains intact and constitutionally guided.
The national chairman highlighted that the party’s March 9 National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting and subsequent INEC verification had successfully affirmed its legitimacy and compliance. He described SDP as an ideology-driven party, committed to lawful processes under the Constitution, Electoral Act, and INEC regulations.
Gombe refuted allegations of leadership tussles, explaining that disciplinary actions against erring members were constitutional measures, not power struggles. ‘Alhaji Shehu Gabam has been expelled from the party over fraud. It is the exclusive reserve of political parties to take charge of its internal affairs, and that is what we have done in SDP. We are focused. Our eyes are on the ball. Nothing more, and we are fully in charge of our internal affairs,’ he stated.
Gombe stressed that there was no existing court order against the party leadership and that attempts to destabilize SDP had failed completely. He urged journalists to report accurately, stating that SDP remained peaceful, disciplined, and determined to win power nationally in 2027.
The chairman distanced the party from the opposition summit held in Ibadan, stating that SDP was open to broad national collaboration with Nigerians rather than a coalition of political parties. He noted that the party would field its own presidential candidate who would provide strong competition to candidates of other political parties.
In his remarks, a former Minister of Information, Labaran Maku, commended the SDP leadership and NWC for their meticulous preparations ahead of 2027. Maku, also a former deputy governor of Nasarawa State, expressed his delight in visiting the party secretariat for the first time, describing his unexpected reception as heartwarming and a reflection of unity.
Maku observed that SDP’s growing influence nationwide was evident, particularly in Nasarawa State, where the party won two House of Representatives seats and four state House of Assembly positions. He emphasized that the party’s performance in Nasarawa and other states showed its potential to expand further if leaders remained focused and committed.
He urged the leadership to sustain preparations, strengthen structures, and work diligently, stressing that political parties remained the foundation upon which democracies thrive.