SDP Triumphs After One-Year Leadership Battle, Declares Party Reunited

The Social Democratic Party (SDP) has declared an end to its prolonged leadership crisis, announcing that the party has regained full recognition from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) following a series of legal victories and internal reforms.

Speaking in Abuja, SDP National Chairman, Professor Sadiq Gombe, described the development as a major milestone in the party’s history, saying the outcome vindicated the leadership’s commitment to due process, constitutionalism and internal democracy.

According to him, the journey began on June 24, 2025, when the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) suspended some members over alleged misconduct. He explained that disciplinary committees were subsequently established to investigate the allegations and ensure fair hearing for all affected members.

Gombe noted that the disciplinary process led to recommendations which were implemented in accordance with the party’s constitution, stressing that affected members were given the opportunity to appeal as provided by the SDP constitution.

He said a series of court cases arising from the crisis eventually reached the Supreme Court, which reaffirmed the right of political parties to manage their internal affairs without external interference.

“The Supreme Court made it clear that decisions taken by the party are binding on members and that political parties have exclusive powers to regulate their internal affairs,” he stated.

The SDP chairman recalled that despite the court rulings, the party encountered challenges in securing official recognition of its leadership structure from INEC.

He, however, disclosed that following further legal victories and the ratification of party decisions by the National Executive Committee (NEC), INEC eventually reviewed the matter and restored the names of the authentic party leadership on its portal.

According to him, the commission’s action effectively confirmed the legitimacy of the current NWC and ended all lingering disputes over the party’s leadership.

Gombe also highlighted the party’s achievements, including the successful conduct of its National Convention in Bauchi and the emergence of Dr. Prince Adewole Adebayo as the SDP’s presidential candidate.

He described the convention as historic, noting that the SDP became the first political party in the country to conduct both its national convention and presidential primary ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Calling on members who may have been involved in the crisis to return to the fold, Gombe said the party remained open to reconciliation and forgiveness.

“As parents, we understand that people can make mistakes. The SDP remains one united family, and our doors are open to all members willing to work for the progress of the party and the nation,” he said.

The SDP chairman assured Nigerians that the party remained committed to providing credible leadership and practical solutions to the country’s socio-economic challenges.

He emphasized that the party’s focus would remain on quality education, healthcare delivery, security, infrastructure development, food security and youth empowerment.

Gombe further expressed confidence that the SDP represents the alternative platform Nigerians have been waiting for, promising that the party would present competent and visionary candidates capable of addressing the demands of a rapidly growing population.

He also commended the judiciary, INEC, the media and the party’s presidential candidate, Prince Adewole Adebayo, for their roles during the turbulent period.

While thanking supporters for standing by the party throughout the crisis, Gombe urged all stakeholders to remain committed to democracy, justice and the rule of law.

“The SDP is back, stronger and more united. We are ready to provide the leadership Nigerians deserve and contribute to the rebuilding of our great nation,” he declared.