The leadership crisis within Nigeria’s Social Democratic Party (SDP) deepened on Thursday as rival factions clashed over the control of the party’s national secretariat in Abuja and the legitimacy of the upcoming national convention. Despite the tensions, the faction led by Prof. Sadiq Gombe vowed to proceed with the party’s scheduled May 9 national convention in Bauchi State, insisting that no amount of intimidation would derail its plans.
The development followed the reported arrival of heavily armed policemen at the SDP national headquarters in Abuja, where party officials loyal to Gombe alleged that security operatives aided the return of former National Chairman, Shehu Musa Gabam, to the secretariat. The confrontation marks another chapter in the prolonged battle over the authentic leadership of the party ahead of preparations for the 2027 general elections.
Police Presence Sparks Fresh Controversy at SDP Secretariat
Speaking to journalists after the incident, SDP National Chairman, Prof. Sadiq Gombe, condemned what he described as external interference in the affairs of the party. He alleged that armed policemen escorted Gabam and his supporters into the party headquarters after ordering officials preparing for the Bauchi convention to vacate the premises.
According to Gombe, members of the party’s National Working Committee had been at the secretariat making logistical arrangements for the convention when security personnel reportedly intervened. He claimed the officers justified their presence by citing an alleged breakdown of law and order before allowing Gabam’s group access to the offices occupied by the current leadership for several months.
Gombe insisted that the convention would proceed as planned despite the tension surrounding the party. He maintained that the SDP leadership under his control would not succumb to pressure or intimidation, stressing that the dispute should remain an internal matter of the party without interference from outside institutions.
National Secretary of the party, Olu Agunloye, also criticised the incident, describing it as an attempt to destabilise the SDP ahead of the 2027 elections. He alleged that some party officials were already set to depart for Bauchi when armed security personnel entered the premises, creating confusion among party members.
Expulsion Claims and Court Judgments Deepen Crisis
The dispute between the two factions largely revolves around the status of former National Chairman, Shehu Musa Gabam. Gombe maintained that Gabam was no longer a member of the SDP, claiming he had been suspended and later expelled following allegations of misconduct, financial crimes, and anti-party activities.
He explained that the party established a five-member disciplinary committee chaired by Air Vice Marshal Bakir Sadiq Gilmour to investigate the allegations. According to him, while other officials appeared before the committee, Gabam allegedly refused to honour invitations from the panel.
Gombe stated that the committee eventually recommended Gabam’s expulsion, a decision he said was ratified by the National Working Committee and later endorsed during the SDP National Executive Committee meeting held on March 9, 2026. He further claimed that representatives of the Independent National Electoral Commission monitored the meeting and certified the proceedings.
However, the dispute took another turn after INEC updated its official records to recognise Gabam as the SDP National Chairman. The commission’s action reportedly followed a March 27, 2026 judgment of the Court of Appeal in Abuja, which affirmed Gabam’s leadership in relation to a dispute arising from the Ekiti State governorship primary election.
The court ruling strengthened Gabam’s position and prompted INEC to list him as the recognised chairman of the party on its official portal under the notation “By Court Order.” Nevertheless, the Gombe-led faction rejected the recognition, insisting that no valid court order had been formally served on the party.
Rival Conventions Loom as SDP Faces Uncertain Future
As tensions continue to rise, the two factions are now preparing separate conventions, a move that could further complicate the internal crisis within the SDP. While Gombe’s camp insists on holding its convention in Bauchi on May 9, Gabam announced that his faction would hold what he described as the legitimate national convention in Abuja on May 17.
Gabam also declared that he had officially resumed duties at the party’s national secretariat as SDP National Chairman. His position is backed by the recent Court of Appeal ruling and INEC’s recognition, although his opponents insist the commission is overstepping its constitutional role.
The conflicting claims have raised concerns among political observers over the future stability of the SDP as the country gradually moves toward the 2027 election cycle. Analysts warn that prolonged internal disputes and parallel leadership structures could weaken the party’s ability to function effectively as a national political platform.
Despite the growing tension, both factions remain firm in their positions, with neither side showing signs of backing down. The outcome of the rival conventions and possible future court actions may ultimately determine the direction of the party in the coming months.
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