The crisis rocking the Social Democratic Party took a fresh turn on Wednesday as the faction led by Shehu Musa Gabam announced the expulsion of the party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Prince Adewole Adebayo, factional National Chairman, Prof. Abubakar Sadiq Gombe, National Secretary, Olu Agunloye, and other members of the National Working Committee (NWC) aligned with Gombe.
The expulsions were announced during the party’s National Convention held in Abuja, where the faction accused the affected leaders of engaging in anti-party activities.
The convention, attended by delegates from across the states and the Federal Capital Territory, also dissolved the existing National Working Committee led by Gabam before immediately re-electing him as substantive National Chairman alongside members of his team.
Chairman of the Convention Electoral Committee, Barrister Abubakar Jubril Baba, who announced the outcome through a voice vote, described the exercise as critical to the future of the party.
Speaking after his re-election, Gabam said the party had overcome a crisis that once threatened its foundation and was now repositioned to provide Nigerians with a credible political alternative.
“Today is not merely a convention day; it is a testimony that institutions still matter. It is a testimony that truth may be delayed but can never be defeated, and that when men and women choose principles over personal ambition, laws over lawlessness, and unity over division, democracy survives,” he said.
He expressed appreciation to party members, national institutions and others who contributed to what he described as the restoration of truth regarding the status of the party.
Addressing delegates, members of the National Executive Committee, party officials, diplomats and representatives of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Gabam urged Nigerians not to lose faith in the country despite prevailing challenges.
“No nation grows without problems. Even developed countries passed through difficult periods. The challenges facing Nigeria should strengthen our resolve to believe in our country and work together for its progress,” he added.
Earlier, the party’s Deputy National Chairman, Alhaji Ibrahim Biu, said the SDP had weathered storms that nearly destabilised the party but survived through resilience, due process and the commitment of members.
According to him, the successful conduct of ward, local government and state congresses nationwide had restored stability and confidence in the party’s structures.
“Today, we can proudly affirm that constitutional leadership has prevailed and confidence in our structures continues to grow nationwide. The restoration we celebrate today is symbolic and practical,” he said.
Biu further stated that, in line with the party’s constitution and the Electoral Act 2026, the SDP would conduct transparent primary elections without imposition or manipulation.
Also speaking at the convention, the party’s newly elected presidential candidate, Abimbola Hakeem Atanda, expressed confidence that the party would emerge victorious in the 2027 general elections.
He said Nigerians were yearning for a credible alternative to the ruling All Progressives Congress and promised to provide purposeful and listening leadership.
Atanda accused the APC administration of failing to fulfil its promises to Nigerians, insisting that the country was facing deeper economic and social challenges under the ruling party.
The convention was monitored by officials of INEC.
