By Peter Adelowo
The National Chairman of the Social Democratic Party, SDP, Professor Sadiq Gombe, says the party relocated its convention to Bauchi State due to challenges in securing a suitable venue.
Professor Gombe made this known while delivering a speech ahead of the screening exercise of a presidential aspirant for the 2027 general election, Prince Adewole Adebayo, alongside former Minister of Information, Labaran Maku, in Abuja
He explained that the decision to move the convention was in line with the party’s constitutional provision, which allows such gatherings to be held in any part of the country.
The SDP National Chairman expressed appreciation to the Governor of Bauchi State for providing a venue for the exercise, despite not being a member of the party.
Professor Gombe described the gesture as a demonstration of democratic inclusiveness and support for political processes.
The National Chairman who reaffirmed the party’s commitment to a transparent and credible process ahead of its forthcoming national convention emphasized that the party had constituted over four committees to ensure the smooth conduct of the exercise.
“These include the Screening Committee, Electoral Committee, Convention Committee, and several sub-committees assigned with specific responsibilities”
According to him, the screening exercise for aspirants would commence at the party’s conference hall at the National Secretariat, which also serves as its registered office with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
He said the screening will cover all aspirants vying for elective positions, including the presidency, governorship seats across the 36 states, National Assembly, and State Houses of Assembly, adding that the party is determined to field candidates in all constituencies nationwide.
Professor Gombe urged members of the screening committee to carry out their duties with fairness, diligence, and transparency, expressing confidence in their capacity to uphold the integrity of the process.
He also appreciated party members and stakeholders for their continued support, noting that the convention would further strengthen internal democracy and unity within the party.
On his part, the Chairman of the Screening Committee, Air Vice Marshal Sadiq Abubakar Liman (rtd), commended members of the committee for their commitment to the assignment.
He stressed the need for strict adherence to laid-down guidelines, noting that only aspirants who meet the required criteria would be cleared to contest.
Air Vice Marshal Liman assured that the committee would discharge its responsibilities with integrity and professionalism in line with the party’s regulations.
