The Social Democratic Party (SDP) has held its National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting in Abuja to ratify the positions of its National Chairman and some members of its National Working Committee.
Professor Sadiq Gombe, who was ratified as National Chairman of the SDP, charged Nigeria’s electoral umpire, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), on credible, free and fair electoral process ahead of the 2027 general election.
Speaking after his ratification by the NEC as the substantive chairman, Prof Gombe also charged INEC and the National Assembly to ensure that the provisions of the Electoral Act 2026 were fully implemented to guarantee free, fair and credible elections.
He noted that political parties and other stakeholders had continued to express concerns over certain aspects of the Electoral Act, emphasising the need for reforms that will strengthen public confidence in Nigeria’s democratic process.
The New National Chairman of the SDP said his party remains ready to participate in the 2027 elections, recalling that the party played a historic role in Nigeria’s democratic journey over three decades ago when it won what is widely regarded as one of the most credible elections in the country’s history.
According to him, “growing support for the party at the grassroots and national levels demonstrated the confidence Nigerians have in the SDP as a credible political alternative.”
“We want to assure Nigerians that we will not take their confidence for granted. The SDP will continue to work to provide the credible alternative that Nigerians desire,” he said.
The chairman also commended the party’s elected members in the National Assembly and State Houses of Assembly for their commitment to democratic ideals and good governance.
He urged them to “remain shining examples among their peers and to continue offering sound legislative guidance that will strengthen the party and Nigeria’s democracy”.
Gombe appreciated election observers and monitoring groups for their presence during the party’s National Executive Committee meeting, expressing hope that their reports would reflect the orderly and transparent conduct of the proceedings.
Describing the meeting as historic, he said the peaceful and civil manner in which the party conducted its internal processes demonstrated the SDP’s commitment to democratic values and internal discipline.
He encouraged other political parties to emulate the party’s example in promoting democratic principles and responsible political conduct.
The SDP chairman also called on Nigerians and political stakeholders to work collectively towards strengthening democratic institutions and ensuring national progress.
He expressed optimism that with sustained commitment to democratic ideals, Nigeria can overcome its challenges and move closer to achieving its national aspirations.
At the meeting, the NEC also received and adopted the report on the state of the party presented by the National Secretary, Olu Agunloye.
The committee subsequently approved and ratified all decisions and actions taken by the National Working Committee (NWC) between March 2022 and March 2026.
Among other resolutions, NEC ratified the appointment of party members to fill vacant positions in both the National Working Committee and the National Executive Committee.
It also approved proposed programmes, schedules and timetables for the party’s 2026/2027 primaries, congresses, convention and other related political activities.
The committee further endorsed the zoning arrangement for the offices of the National Chairman and the Presidential Candidate of the party.
NEC also authorised amendments to the 2022 Constitution of the party to reflect the zoning formula and other necessary adjustments.
In addition, NEC approved disciplinary measures taken within the party between March 25, 2022 and March 8, 2026, including suspensions, expulsions and the acceptance of resignations of some party officials.
The committee also directed the National Working Committee to fill vacant positions where necessary and to reorganise the administration and operations of party organs at national, zonal and state levels to improve efficiency and effectivenes