The crisis rocking the Social Democratic Party (SDP) took a new twist on Wednesday when the factional party led by Shehu Gabam announced the immediate expulsion of the 2023 presidential candidate of the party, Prince Adebayo Adewole, the factional National Chairman, Prof. Sadiq Gombe and the National Secretary, Dr. Olu Agunloye and other members of the NWC that worked with Gombe.
The faction carried out the action during its National Convention in Abuja said the affected party chieftains were involved in anti party activities.
Highlights of the Convention which had delegates from all the states of the country and Abuja in attendance was the dissolution of the National Working Committee (NWC) led by Shehu Gabam and immediate reelection of Gabam as the substantial National Chairman with all the people who were working with him since the crisis erupted.
Chairman of the Electoral Committee, Barr. Abubakar Jubril Baba who announced the election through a voice vote said the outcome is critical to the activities of the party.
In his remarks, National Chairman of the party, Shehu Musa Gabam said the party after going through the crisis that threatened its foundations has bounced back to play its role as the only credible alternative for Nigerians to elect trustworthy leaders to run the country.
Gabam equally thanked some national institutions and all those who played one role or the other to establish the truth concerning the status of the party.
“Today is not merely a convention day it is a testimony that institution still matters, a testimony that truth may be delayed but can never be defeated, a testimony that when men and women choose principles over personal ambition, laws over lawlessness, unity over delusions.
“Distinguished delegates, members of the National Executive Committee (NEC), members of the National Working Committee (NWC), the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) officials, leaders from across Nigeria, and members of the Diplomatic Community.
The National Chairman further expressed confidence in the country, adding that while there may have been challenges, people should not think it’s only a Nigeria phenomenon.
“No nation grows without problems, even the developed societies, they have gone through some problems this government should not distract us to not make us feel as we are not safe it should strengthen us to love our country, to believe in our country, to believe in our friends”.
While giving a report on the state of affairs of the SDP, Deputy National Chairman, Alhaji Ibrahim Biu said the party had passed through storms that threatened its very existence as a political party.
Biu said, despite all that happened, the party survived through resilience, adherence to due process, and the unwavering commitment of the members.
“Today we can proudly affirm that the foundations of stability have been restored. Constitutional leadership has prevailed, and confidence in our structures continues to grow nationwide. This restoration is not merely a call to action, it’s symbolic.
“It is evidenced by our successful completion of world congresses, local government congresses, and state congresses across the federation, conducted in accordance with the constitutions of our party and applicable electoral regulations. These congresses have produced a renewed and legitimate grassroots structure, positioning the SDP for greater participation and competition in Nigerian’s democratic process”.
He added that in accordance with the Constitution of the party and the Electoral Act of 2026 as amended, the SDP shall proceed with the conduct of primary elections to nominate candidates for elective offices, without any form of imposition or manipulation.
Also in his acceptance speech, the presidential candidate, Abimbola Hakeem Atanda said the party is well positioned to win the forthcoming 2027 elections, given the enthusiasm of the people of Nigeria for a credible alternative to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Atanda also promised to be a listening leader who will lead Nigeria out of most of the problems she is currently facing under the APC administration.
According to him, the APC scammed Nigerians with the earlier promise of a change, but regretted that several years after, the party had instead thrown the country into more problems than they met on assumption of office.
The National Convention was monitored by officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
