Gombe-Led SDP Dismisses INEC’s Recognition Of Gabam, Says No Rift In Party

The Professor Sadiq Gombe-led faction of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) has dismissed the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) recognition of Shehu Gabam, insisting that there is no leadership crisis within the party.

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Addressing journalists at the party’s national secretariat on Wednesday in Abuja, Gombe maintained that the SDP remains united, stable, and focused ahead of the 2027 general elections.

He argued that recent developments suggesting a leadership dispute were being misrepresented, describing them instead as internal disciplinary actions.

“There is no leadership struggle in the SDP,” Gombe said, adding that the matter in question had already been reported to the appropriate authorities and that no court order exists challenging the current leadership.

Gombe revealed that the party had undergone a verification exercise conducted by INEC, noting that committees set up by the electoral body submitted reports affirming the authenticity of the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) and other structures.

According to him, an 11-member INEC verification team, led by a deputy director, engaged members of the National Working Committee (NWC), NEC, and state chairmen during the exercise, with outcomes that, he said, confirmed the party’s stability.

He, however, dismissed entries on INEC’s website recognising Gabam as administrative errors, insisting that the commission lacks the constitutional authority to determine party leadership.

“The issue being portrayed as a leadership crisis is merely a disciplinary matter involving alleged misconduct by an erring member. The party only exercised its constitutional right to discipline one of its own,” he stated.

Gombe added that, unlike other major political parties plagued by defections and unresolved disputes, the SDP has consistently managed its internal issues through lawful mechanisms provided in its constitution and the Electoral Act.

He also reaffirmed the party’s openness to strategic alliances aimed at what he described as a national rescue mission, while confirming that the SDP would field candidates at all levels, including a presidential candidate, in the 2027 elections.

Also speaking, former Deputy Governor of Nasarawa State and ex-Minister of Information, Labaran Maku, expressed confidence in the party’s future, commending its leadership for maintaining cohesion.

Maku said the SDP has continued to grow in strength, citing its performance in Nasarawa State, where it secured two senatorial seats, two House of Representatives seats, and four State Assembly seats in the last elections.

He described political parties as the foundation of democracy and urged SDP leaders to remain focused, organised, and ideologically driven.

Maku also pledged his continued loyalty to the party, expressing optimism that the SDP would emerge as a credible alternative in Nigeria’s political landscape.