The Social Democratic Party (SDP) has fixed May 9, 2026, for its national convention in Bauchi State, despite an ongoing leadership dispute and disagreement with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
The embattled National Chairman of the party, Sadiq Gombe, announced the date at a press conference in Abuja on Wednesday, stating that preparations for the convention and nationwide congresses were already underway.
Gombe, who appeared alongside 11 members of the 12-member National Working Committee (NWC), dismissed concerns over the internal crisis, insisting the party would not be distracted ahead of the 2027 general elections.
“As you can see, we have 11 of our 12-member National Working Committee here today. They have spent the last two weeks preparing for the activities of the party ahead of the 2027 elections,” he said.
“The party can’t be distracted. We are focused, and our eyes are on the ball.”
He further maintained that the SDP had a tradition of resolving its disputes internally in line with the Electoral Act and the Nigerian Constitution, contrasting it with other opposition parties grappling with defections and crises.
“We remain and sort out our problems. We use this opportunity to invite Nigerians to our congresses nationwide and also to our national convention coming up on May 9 in Bauchi State,” he added.
Also speaking, the party’s National Secretary, Olu Agunloye, criticised INEC for recognising Shehu Gabam as the party’s national chairman, describing the move as an overreach into the party’s internal affairs.
Agunloye argued that neither the Electoral Act nor the Constitution empowers INEC to determine party leadership, insisting that Gabam had been suspended and expelled since June 2025.
“In this particular case, INEC erred. There is nothing in the rules and guidelines which says INEC can determine the chairman of a party,” he said.
He explained that Gombe assumed leadership in line with the party’s constitution as deputy national chairman (North) following Gabam’s expulsion over allegations including fraud, misappropriation, and breach of party rules.
The development comes days after the party’s NWC rejected INEC’s recognition of Gabam, describing it as unconstitutional and an intrusion into its internal affairs.
INEC had earlier updated its official portal to list Gabam as SDP national chairman, citing a court order. The action followed a March 27, 2026, judgment of the Court of Appeal, Abuja Division, which affirmed Gabam’s leadership in a dispute arising from the Ekiti State governorship primary.
Despite the ruling, the party leadership under Gombe insists it will proceed with its planned activities, setting the stage for a possible escalation of the leadership tussle within the SDP.