The newly ratified National Chairman of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Professor Sadiq Gombe, has called for greater transparency and fairness in Nigeria’s electoral process ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Speaking after his ratification as the substantive chairman of the party, Professor Gombe urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the National Assembly to ensure that the provisions of the Electoral Act are fully implemented to guarantee free, fair and credible elections.
He noted that political parties and other stakeholders have continued to express concerns over certain aspects of the Electoral Act, emphasizing the need for reforms that will strengthen public confidence in Nigeria’s democratic process.
Professor Gombe said the SDP remains ready to actively participate in the 2027 elections, recalling that the party played a historic role in Nigeria’s democratic journey over three decades ago when it recorded victory in what is widely regarded as one of the most credible elections in the country’s history.
According to him, growing support for the party at the grassroots and national levels demonstrates the confidence Nigerians have in the SDP as a credible political alternative.
“We want to assure Nigerians that we will not take their confidence for granted. The SDP will continue to work to provide the credible alternative that Nigerians desire,” he said.
The chairman also commended the party’s elected members in the National Assembly and State Houses of Assembly for their commitment to democratic ideals and good governance.
He urged them to remain shining examples among their peers and to continue offering sound legislative guidance that will strengthen the party and Nigeria’s democracy.
Professor Gombe further appreciated election observers and monitoring groups for their presence during the party’s National Executive Committee meeting, describing the gathering as historic.
He said the peaceful and orderly conduct of the meeting demonstrated the party’s commitment to democratic values and internal discipline.
In his goodwill message, the 2023 governorship candidate of the SDP in Nasarawa State, Alfa Mustapha Mohammed, urged members of the party to prioritise unity, peace and fairness to strengthen the party ahead of future elections.
Mohammed noted that the success of the new leadership would depend largely on unity within the party and the collective support of members, particularly the National Working Committee.
He stressed that unity must be built on the foundations of peace, justice and fairness across all levels of the party, from the national leadership to the grassroots.
The party’s National Executive Committee also ratified the appointment of Professor Gombe as National Chairman and approved several decisions aimed at strengthening the party’s structure and operations.
The committee received and adopted the report on the state of the party presented by the National Secretary, Olu Agunloye, and ratified all decisions taken by the National Working Committee between March 2022 and March 2026.
NEC also approved programmes, schedules and timetables for the party’s 2026/2027 primaries, congresses, convention and other related activities.
It further endorsed the zoning arrangement for the offices of the National Chairman and Presidential Candidate, while authorising amendments to the party’s 2022 Constitution to reflect the zoning formula and other necessary adjustments.
Meanwhile, the Chairman of the Forum of SDP State Chairmen, Femi Olaniyi, reaffirmed the support of state chairmen for the party’s national leadership, pledging continued cooperation to strengthen the party nationwide.
Also speaking, the party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Adewale Adebayo, called for reforms to Nigeria’s electoral laws to enhance transparency and public confidence, while urging citizens to actively participate in elections by turning out in large numbers to vote.
By Georgina Humphrey
