SDP elects Gombe new national chairman

Professor Sadiq Gombe has emerged as the newly elected National Chairman of the Social Democratic Party at the party’s 2026 national convention held in Bauchi on Saturday.

Speaking shortly after being sworn in alongside other members of the National Working Committee, Gombe said the SDP remained the most qualified political platform to take over leadership in Nigeria ahead of the 2027 general elections.

He thanked party members and delegates for the confidence reposed in him and pledged to provide transparent, committed and patriotic leadership in line with the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the Electoral Act and the party’s constitution.

“I thank you sincerely for the confidence reposed in us and for giving us yet another mandate to lead. We assure you of our commitment to the ideals, principles and wellbeing of the party and Nigeria,” he said.

Gombe added that the SDP under his leadership would not take Nigerians for granted, stressing that the country was in urgent need of upright and transparent leadership.

According to him, the party is determined to provide Nigerians with an alternative political platform capable of rescuing the country from its current challenges.

“We want to assure Nigerians that the SDP will provide the needed alternative platform for the rescue mission of this country,” he stated.

He also appreciated the party’s presidential candidate, leaders and stakeholders for their contributions to the growth and successes recorded by the SDP over the years.

Earlier, the Chairman of the National Convention Committee, Usman Bugaje, criticised the current state of governance in the country, citing insecurity, high petrol prices, poor infrastructure, unemployment and widespread poverty as major concerns confronting Nigerians.

Bugaje commended party members for remaining steadfast despite the prevailing hardship in the country.

“That despite all these challenges you are able to come in your numbers is a measure of your commitment and determination to change your fortunes for good. No sacrifice is too great in changing the fortunes of the nearly 300 million oppressed people,” he said.

He accused the ruling party of attempting to suppress opposition parties and shrink the democratic space, alleging that institutions such as the judiciary and the Independent National Electoral Commission had become tools in the hands of politicians.

“The attempt by the ruling party to block the political space and eliminate competition and opposition is one of the most despicable offences today,” Bugaje stated.

He noted that the theme of the convention, “Building a People’s Coalition to Secure Our Homeland and Defeat Poverty,” reflected the party’s determination to provide an alternative rooted in social democratic ideals and competent leadership.

According to him, while other political parties continue to recycle leaders associated with the country’s challenges, the SDP is presenting fresh and energetic candidates committed to national development.

Punch reports that members of the newly elected National Working Committee include National Chairman, Prof. Sadiq Umar Abubakar Gombe; Deputy National Chairman (South), Sen. Ugochukwu Uba; National Secretary, Olu Agunloye; National Treasurer, Hajiya Mariam Maggie Batubo; National Organising Secretary, Joseph Achille Abu; National Publicity Secretary, Araba Rufus Aiyenigba; National Legal Adviser, Aderemi Abimbola; National Financial Secretary, Bello Ado Hussaini; National Woman Leader, Hajiya Sa’adatu Abdullahi; National Youth Leader, Daniel Ibe; National Society Secretary, Rosemary Effiong; and Leader of Persons With Disabilities, Lekan Alabi.