SDP Fixes May 9 Convention in Bauchi, Rejects INEC Recognition of Gabam

The Social Democratic Party (SDP) has announced that it will proceed with its national convention on May 9 in Bauchi State despite the position of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) recognising Shehu Gabam as the party’s national chairman. The decision signals a deepening internal dispute within the opposition party as it prepares for the 2027 general elections.

Party leaders, led by embattled National Chairman Prof. Sadiq Gombe, said the convention and nationwide congresses would go ahead as planned. They maintained that internal disagreements would not derail preparations for future elections and insisted that the party remained focused on strengthening its structures across the country.

Leadership Crisis Deepens Within SDP

At a press conference in Abuja on Wednesday, Prof. Gombe stated that most members of the National Working Committee were united behind the planned convention. According to him, the party leadership had spent the past two weeks preparing for activities aimed at repositioning the SDP ahead of the 2027 polls.

He stressed that the party would not be distracted by the current controversy, adding that the SDP had a tradition of resolving disputes internally in line with the Electoral Act and the Nigerian Constitution. Gombe also contrasted the SDP with other opposition parties facing defections and internal crises.

The party leader further used the opportunity to invite members nationwide to participate in the congresses and the national convention scheduled for Bauchi State.

SDP Challenges INEC’s Role in Leadership Matter

Also speaking at the briefing, National Secretary Dr. Olu Agunloye criticised INEC for recognising Shehu Gabam as national chairman, arguing that the electoral body had exceeded its authority. He said no provision in the Electoral Act or the Constitution empowers INEC to determine who leads a political party.

Agunloye maintained that Gabam had earlier been suspended and expelled in June 2025 over allegations including fraud, misappropriation, disobedience, and breach of the party constitution. He explained that Gombe assumed office as acting chairman based on the SDP constitution, being the deputy national chairman (North) at the time.

The party’s latest stance comes days after its National Working Committee publicly rejected INEC’s decision, describing it as unconstitutional interference in the party’s internal affairs.

Court Judgment and INEC Portal Update

INEC had recently updated its official website to list Gabam as SDP national chairman, adding the phrase “By Court Order.” The move followed a March 27, 2026 judgment by the Court of Appeal, Abuja Division.

The appellate court reportedly affirmed Gabam as the authentic national chairman in a case linked to the Ekiti State governorship primary election. The court also dismissed claims that the party officials who conducted the primary lacked the legal authority to do so.

Following that judgment, INEC reflected the recognised leadership structure on its portal, listing Gabam as chairman and Agunloye as national secretary alongside other members of the National Working Committee. However, the fresh announcement of a convention by the Gombe-led faction suggests the leadership battle is far from settled.