By Jude Opara
The National Chairman of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Dr Sadiq Gombe, has urged students in tertiary institutions across Nigeria to obtain their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) and actively participate in the 2027 general elections.
Gombe made the call on Monday while receiving members of the executive of the Arewa Students Forum (ASF), who visited his office to confer on him the title of Grand Commander of the organisation.
The SDP chairman, who was also named one of the patrons of the forum, urged the students to remain committed to the values of integrity, character and conviction, stressing that Nigeria could only achieve meaningful development if its leaders embraced those principles.
Reflecting on his days as a student union leader, Gombe described that period as one of the most fulfilling moments of his life, noting that student activism was then focused on issues that positively impacted society.
“Do not depart from the values you now hold in high esteem. I can recall my days as a student union leader, and honestly, they remain the most cherished moments of my life. Even if you offered me President Bola Tinubu’s position, I would still choose my student union leadership role.
“We used to compel reductions in food prices in the country. I do not know what has gone wrong today that student unionism is no longer focused on such issues.
“Today, character is no longer cherished in the country. Some professors possess education but lack character. Character is what enables you to live honourably on earth and ultimately meet your Creator with dignity.”
Gombe said Nigeria’s greatest challenge remained poor leadership, warning that every other sector would continue to suffer if leadership was not right.
“Our major problem in Nigeria today is poor leadership. When leadership is wrong, everything else goes wrong. You must participate in electing competent and qualified leaders who can move the country forward. The North is particularly affected because of its peculiar challenges.”
The SDP chairman reiterated his appeal for students to participate actively in the electoral process, reminding them that the future of the country belonged to them.
According to him, students do not necessarily have to belong to any political party before contributing to democratic governance through voting.
“You do not have to belong to the SDP, but as citizens who have come of age, you must participate in the electoral process by voting for competent leaders with character and capacity.
“You can remain non-partisan and still participate in choosing leaders who will rescue our country. We have no other country but Nigeria, so we must all join hands to build it.
“The future belongs to you. With a student population of about 2.1 million, you constitute a strong voting bloc capable of influencing election outcomes. No one feels the effects of poor governance more than students. After graduation, many of you struggle to earn a decent living because of bad leadership.”
He expressed concern that many of today’s leaders were once student union activists but appeared to have abandoned the values they once championed. He urged members of the Arewa Students Forum to remain steadfast in their commitment to integrity, character and conviction.
Gombe also pledged to continue living up to the honour bestowed upon him by the forum.
Earlier, the National President of the Arewa Students Forum, Comrade Abubakar Abdullahi, said the organisation, an umbrella body for students from Northern Nigeria studying across the country, was established to address the region’s numerous challenges.
He lamented the growing involvement of some youths in alcoholism, examination malpractice, cultism and other social vices.
Abdullahi also expressed concern that many young people were not receiving adequate guidance when choosing courses of study in universities.
Speaking on the reasons for honouring the SDP chairman, the forum’s Secretary-General, Comrade Suleiman Mohammed, said Dr Gombe’s support for students through the donation of learning equipment, including computers, distinguished him as a worthy recipient of the award.
In his vote of thanks on behalf of the party, the SDP National Deputy Chairman (South), Senator Ugochukwu Uba, described the recognition as a significant honour, saying it reflected Dr Gombe’s integrity and commitment to service.
He also described the SDP national chairman as a servant leader who carries his colleagues along in decision-making, adding that Nigeria needs leaders with such qualities to achieve sustainable development and prosperity.
Also present at the event were members of the party’s National Working Committee (NWC), including the National Secretary, Dr Olu Agunloye.
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