SDP insists no court order restraining Gombe-led NWC

…Party sets for National Convention, Primaries

By Jude Opara

The Social Democratic Party (SDP) has declared that there is no court order restraining its National Working Committee (NWC) led by Abubakar Sadiq Gombe, adding that it is intensifying preparations for the 2027 general elections.

The party stated this while reacting to the situation of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) uploading the factional National Chairman, Shehu Gabam on its portal.

Addressing newsmen at the party’s National Secretariat in Abuja, Gombe who was accompanied by most of his NWC members said the SDP remains united, focused, and fully prepared to contest and win elective positions in every part of the country.

The National Chairman further disclosed that the party had already published a comprehensive timetable of activities leading to its scheduled national convention in May. He added that the process will include ward, local government, state, and zonal congresses.

According to Gombe, interest in the party has continued to grow, with members already showing willingness to contest for positions ranging from state assemblies to the presidency.

“We are not distracted by internal disagreements or external pressures. All matters relating to our party remain within our constitutional framework,” he said.

The chairman also referenced a recent National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting, which he described as successful and widely attended by party leaders, stressing that officials of INEC were on hand to monitor the proceedings.

While reacting to the names uploaded on the INEC portal, the party’s National Secretary, Dr. Olusegun Agunloye, waved aside any controversy, arguing that the electoral body has no constitutional authority to determine the leadership of political parties.

Agunloye maintained that the SDP remains peaceful, disciplined, and firmly in control of its internal affairs, adding that ongoing efforts to reposition the party should not be misconstrued as crisis.

In his remarks, the National Publicity Secretary (NPS), Araba Rufus Aiyenigba, said all issues within the party had been resolved, assuring that there was no cause for concern.

“No incident or action will destabilise the SDP. We remain united and focused,” he said.

A former deputy governor of Nasarawa state and former Minister of Information Labaran Maku, who recently joined the party expressed confidence in the party’s leadership and its readiness for the 2027 elections.

Maku commended the SDP’s internal organisation and growing national acceptance, noting that its performance in Nasarawa state in the 2023 general elections shows its strength.