The National Chairman of the Social Democratic Party, Prof. Sadiq Gombe, on Monday formally took over the party’s national secretariat in Abuja, declaring an end to the protracted leadership crisis that has rocked the opposition party after the Independent National Electoral Commission recognised the party’s National Working Committee.
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 describe as a major victory for internal democracy and constitutional order.
Addressing journalists shortly after assuming office at the secretariat, Gombe said the takeover marked the culmination of nearly a year of internal reforms, disciplinary proceedings and legal battles that eventually received judicial validation.
He said, “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, committed and followed the law diligently. That is why we are here.”
The SDP chairman explained that the disciplinary measures followed investigations conducted by a committee established by the NWC, whose recommendations were subsequently reviewed by a White Paper Committee before sanctions were imposed in line with the party’s constitution.
According to him, all affected members were accorded fair hearing throughout the process, and the party remained committed to due process at every stage.
The leadership tussle within the SDP had intensified in recent months following disputes over the legitimacy of the party’s leadership structure, resulting in a series of court cases and competing claims to the national chairmanship.
Gombe, however, argued that the Supreme Court had consistently upheld the principle that the internal affairs of political parties are matters to be determined by the parties themselves.
He noted that a Supreme Court judgment delivered on December 19, 2025, in a dispute involving the party’s Ekiti State governorship candidate reinforced that position.
“The Supreme Court ruled that all decisions taken by the party are binding on members and that internal affairs of political parties are matters for the parties themselves to determine,” he stated.
The SDP chairman also extended an olive branch to aggrieved members, saying the party remained open to reconciliation despite the bitter leadership dispute.
“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 party would continue to position itself as a credible alternative ahead of the 2027 elections by presenting candidates capable of addressing challenges in education, healthcare, infrastructure, food security and governance.
The takeover of the national secretariat follows 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 party’s National Publicity Secretary, Rufus Aiyenigba, had announced the development in a statement, saying the commission also removed the names of other expelled officials from its records.
The recognition effectively settles months of uncertainty over the party’s leadership and is expected to strengthen its preparations for the 2027 general elections.
