Difficulties in securing convention venue forced us to Bauchi – SDP

By Jude Opara

As the Social Democratic Party (SDP) prepares to hold its National Convention in Bauchi on Saturday, the National Chairman of the party, Prof. Sadiq Gombe has said that the party was forced to move to Bauchi after we several efforts at getting a venue in Abuja failed.

However, Gombe who spoke while addressing party stakeholders at the National Secretariait thanked the governor of Bauchi state, Sen. Bala Mohammed for granting them a venue for the convention, despite the fact that he is not a member of the SDP.

He added that both the Constitution and the Electoral Act did not forbid any political party from holding their events outside Abuja.

“Given difficulties in securing a venue, we decided to move it to Bauchi, since constitutionally the convention can take place anywhere in the country.

“We sincerely appreciate the Governor of Bauchi State who, despite not being a member of the SDP, graciously provided us with a venue for our convention”.

The National Chairman also reaffirmed the commitment of the party to a transparent and credible process, adding that the party has constituted several committees to ensure a smooth and credible exercise.

According to him, the party has set up over 400 committees, including the Screening Committee, Electoral Committee, Convention Committee, and other sub-committees, each tasked with specific responsibilities.

However, he added that the screening exercise for aspirants would commence at the party’s conference hall at the National Secretariat, which serves as the party’s registered office with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

He emphasized that the screening process would cover all aspirants contesting for elective positions, including the office of the President, governorship positions across the 36 states, National Assembly seats, and State Houses of Assembly.

The party, he added, is committed to fielding candidates in all constituencies nationwide, underscoring its readiness for the general elections.

The Chairman called on all aspirants and members to remain peaceful and abide by the rules guiding the exercise, assuring that the process would be conducted in line with established guidelines.

In his remarks, the Chairman of the screening committee, Air Vice Marshal Sadiq Abubakar Lima (retd), expressed appreciation to members of the committee for their efforts, while emphasizing the importance of strict adherence to laid-down guidelines in the screening process.

Lima noted that despite varying levels of familiarity among committee members, the assignment must proceed with diligence and integrity.