The National Chairman of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Alhaji Shehu Gabam, has called on Nigerians and political stakeholders to remain committed to democracy, constitutional order, and the protection of national institutions despite the challenges facing the country.
Speaking at the 2026 National Convention and primaries of the party in Abuja, Gabam stressed that the nation must continue to believe in the electoral process, the judiciary, security agencies, and democratic institutions to safeguard Nigeria’s future.
He warned that failure to protect democratic values and party laws could have serious consequences for the nation.
According to him, no nation develops without passing through periods of turbulence, noting that even advanced societies experienced challenges before attaining stability.
Gabam urged Nigerians not to allow present difficulties to weaken their faith in the country but rather to strengthen their patriotism and confidence in Nigeria’s potential for growth and development.
He expressed optimism that Nigeria would emerge stronger and produce future leaders capable of attracting both domestic and foreign investment.
READ ALSO:SDP Reaffirms Commitment to Nigeria’s Progress
Addressing delegates, party executives, members of the diplomatic community, election observers, security agencies, and journalists at the convention, Gabam described the gathering as more than a political event.
He said the convention was a demonstration that truth, constitutionalism, and internal democracy would always prevail over division and personal ambition.
“We gather here at a defining moment in the history of our party, a moment born from trials, tested by turbulence, and purified through struggle,” he said.
Gabam acknowledged that the party has faced internal disagreements and attempts to destabilise its structure but maintained that the SDP survived because it was founded on principles rather than personalities.
He commended the Nigerian judiciary for upholding justice and constitutional order within the party, describing the judiciary as “the last hope of democracy itself”.
The SDP Chairman also praised the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for complying with judicial pronouncements and strengthening public confidence in Nigeria’s democratic institutions.
He further appreciated party members nationwide for their resilience, discipline, and loyalty during the party’s internal challenges.
READ ALSO: SDP Adopts Adebayo as Presidential Candidate
In his remarks, the Deputy National Secretary of the party, Alhaji Mohammed Ibrahim Biu, said the SDP emerged stronger and more united through due process and the commitment of its members.
He noted that the successful conduct of ward, local government, and state congresses across the federation restored stability and legitimacy to the party’s grassroots structures.
Biu also commended INEC, security agencies, the police, and the judiciary for ensuring peaceful and orderly processes during the congresses.
He stated that the party was now set to conduct transparent and democratic primaries in line with the Electoral Act and the constitution of the party ahead of the 2027 general elections.
According to him, the primaries would produce candidates for the State Houses of Assembly, House of Representatives, Senate, Governorship, and Presidential elections.
, Alhaji Shehu Gabam, has called on Nigerians and){kind=link}