Social Democratic Party (SDP) on Wednesday declared its readiness for the 2027 general elections, affirming its unity and internal stability.
Speaking at a news conference in Abuja, the SDP National Chairman, Dr Abubakar Gombe, said that the party remained focused on its rescue mission.
Gombe said the National Working Committee (NWC) was fully functional, noting that nine of its 11 members were present at the news conference while others were on official engagements.
He said that the party had commenced preparations for congresses from ward to national levels, with its national convention scheduled for May 9.
“We are starting our congresses from May 1st to 5th, starting with the ward and local government congresses,
the state and zonal congresses.
“We will round it of with the national
convention, which is slated to take place in Bauchi on May 9,” Gombe said.
According to him, sales of nomination forms are ongoing, with members already expressing interest in state, national assembly, governorship and presidential contests.
Gombe stressed that in spite of ‘distractions and political shenanigans’, the party would not be derailed from its mission.
He maintained that political parties had exclusive rights over internal affairs, insisting that SDP’s leadership remained intact and constitutionally guided.
The national chairman said the party’s March 9 National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting and subsequent INEC verification had successfully affirmed its legitimacy and compliance.
He described SDP as an ideology-driven party, committed to lawful processes under the Constitution, Electoral Act and INEC regulations.
Gombe dismissed allegations of leadership tussles, saying that disciplinary actions against erring members were constitutional measures, not power struggles.
“Alhaji Shehu Gabam has been expelled from the party over fraud.
“It is the exclusive reserve of political parties to take charge of its internal affairs, and that is what we have done in SDP.
“We are focused. Our eyes are on the ball. Nothing more, and we are fully in charge of our internal affairs,” he stated.
Gombe insisted that there was no existing court order against the party leadership, stressing that attempts to destabilise SDP had failed completely.
He urged journalists to report accurately, stating that SDP remained peaceful, disciplined and determined to win power nationally in 2027.
The chairman also distanced the party from the opposition summit held in Ibadan, stating that SDP was open to broad national collaboration with Nigerians rather than a coalition of political parties.
He said that the party would field its own presidential candidate who would give candidates of other political parties a run for their money.
In his remarks, a former Minister of Information, Labaran Maku, commended the SDP leadership and NWC for their meticulous preparations ahead of 2027.
Maku, also a former deputy governor of Nasarawa State, said he was delighted to visit the party secretariat for the first time, describing his unexpected reception as heartwarming and a reflection of unity.
According to him, SDP’s growing influence nationwide was evident, particularly in Nasarawa State, where the party won two House of Representatives seats and four state House of Assembly positions.
Maku said the party’s performance in Nasarawa and other states showed its potential to expand further if leaders remained focused and committed.
He urged the leadership to sustain preparations, strengthen structures and work diligently, stressing that political parties remained the foundation upon which democracies thrives.
