The National Chairman of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Prof. Sadiq Gombe, on Monday formally assumed control of the party’s national secretariat in Abuja, declaring an end to the prolonged leadership crisis that has unsettled the opposition party following the recognition of its National Working Committee (NWC) by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
The development comes barely a week after INEC updated its records to recognise Gombe as the substantive National Chairman of the SDP, replacing the expelled former chairman, Shehu Gabam, in what party leaders described as a victory for internal democracy and constitutional order.
Speaking to journalists in Abuja shortly after taking over the secretariat, Gombe said the event marked the culmination of nearly a year of internal reforms, disciplinary actions and legal battles that were ultimately affirmed by the courts.
“Today is a great day for all of us. It is significant because it comes almost exactly one year after the National Working Committee, acting within the powers granted to it by the party’s constitution, took disciplinary action against some erring members.
“It is only due process that brought us to where we are today. We remained patient and committed, and we followed the law diligently. That is why we are here,” he said.
Gombe explained that the disciplinary measures followed investigations conducted by a committee established by the NWC. The committee’s recommendations were later reviewed by a White Paper Committee before sanctions were imposed in line with the provisions of the party’s constitution.
According to him, all affected members were given a fair hearing throughout the process, underscoring the party’s commitment to due process and constitutional procedures.
The SDP has been embroiled in a leadership dispute in recent months, with rival factions laying claim to the national chairmanship and pursuing various court actions.
However, Gombe maintained that the Supreme Court had consistently upheld the principle that the internal affairs of political parties should be determined by the parties themselves.
He cited a Supreme Court judgment delivered on December 19, 2025, in a dispute involving the party’s governorship candidate in Ekiti State, which he said reaffirmed that position.
“The Supreme Court ruled that all decisions taken by the party are binding on members and that the internal affairs of political parties are matters for the parties themselves to determine,” he stated.
Extending an olive branch to aggrieved members, Gombe said the party remained open to reconciliation despite the bitter leadership contest.
“As parents forgive their children when they err, the party remains open to members who may have offended it, provided they are willing to retrace their steps and work for the collective interest of the SDP and Nigeria.
“We have no other country except Nigeria. The responsibility of rebuilding it belongs to all of us. With commitment, diligence and the fear of God, Nigeria can take its rightful place in Africa and the Black world,” he added.
Gombe assured Nigerians that the SDP would continue to position itself as a credible alternative ahead of the 2027 general elections by presenting candidates capable of addressing challenges in education, healthcare, infrastructure, food security and governance.
The takeover of the national secretariat followed INEC’s formal recognition of Gombe as SDP National Chairman on June 17, after the commission updated its records in compliance with Supreme Court judgments arising from the party’s internal dispute.
The recognition effectively brings months of uncertainty over the party’s leadership to an end and is expected to strengthen the SDP’s preparations for the 2027 general elections.
