SDP Leadership Dismisses Crisis, Confirms Bauchi Convention Plans

The Social Democratic Party (SDP) has reaffirmed that its national convention will hold as scheduled in Bauchi State despite growing internal tensions and allegations of interference at its national secretariat in Abuja.

The party’s National Chairman, Professor Sadiq Gombe, alleged that the secretariat was invaded by individuals he described as thugs alongside the expelled former National Chairman, Alhaji Shehu Musa Gabam.
Gombe made the allegation while speaking with journalists in Abuja, stating that the incident occurred during final preparations for the party’s convention.
He maintained that the development would not affect the planned convention, noting that all required notifications had been submitted to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in compliance with electoral regulations.
According to him, Gabam and his associates attempted to disrupt party activities at the secretariat ahead of the national convention.
Gombe further alleged that security operatives had earlier sealed the premises over concerns relating to public order while the National Working Committee was in session.
The SDP chairman claimed that after the initial closure, the same group was later granted access to the secretariat, a development he described as suspicious.
He insisted that the party strictly followed constitutional procedures in handling internal disciplinary matters.
Gombe also maintained that there was no crisis within the SDP, stressing that disciplinary actions taken against some former officials followed due process.
He explained that a committee established by the party investigated the allegations and provided fair hearing before recommendations were reached.
He added that INEC monitored the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting held earlier in the year.
According to him, major resolutions, including leadership affirmations and disciplinary measures, were duly adopted during the meeting.
The SDP chairman also criticised what he described as external interference in the party’s internal affairs.
He urged members across the country to remain calm and proceed to Bauchi for the convention as planned.
Gombe expressed confidence that the party would emerge stronger after the convention despite the ongoing disputes.
He reaffirmed that preparations had been concluded for a successful national gathering.
Also speaking, the National Secretary, Dr. Olu Agunloye, confirmed that the convention would proceed in Bauchi as scheduled.
However, he raised concerns over alleged security interference and INEC’s invitation to an Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) meeting.
Agunloye said the party was surprised by the ADR invitation, insisting that there was no internal dispute within the SDP.
He explained that the only issue involved a member whom the party said had been lawfully expelled.
According to him, the expulsion followed constitutional procedures and was duly communicated to INEC.
He stated that the commission had certified records of the party’s NEC resolutions.
Agunloye also alleged that security operatives and unidentified individuals disrupted activities at the party secretariat.
He claimed that tear gas was used, forcing members to vacate the premises while preparations for the convention were ongoing.
He further alleged that police intervention led to the evacuation of party officials under the pretext of maintaining public order.
According to him, the situation created room for what he described as an attempted takeover of the secretariat.
Agunloye maintained that the SDP remains united and committed to its planned convention in Bauchi.
He stressed that the party has no internal crisis capable of disrupting its activities.
Meanwhile, the expelled former National Chairman, Alhaji Shehu Musa Gabam, has announced a separate convention scheduled to hold in Abuja on May 17, 2026.
PR/Georgina Humphrey