SDP Pledges Rescue Mission As Gombe Emerges Chairman

The Social Democratic Party has re-elected Prof. Sadiq Umar Abubakar Gombe as its national chairman for another four years.

Gombe was returned unopposed during the party’s 2026 national convention held yesterday at the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa Stadium, Bauchi alongside 11 other members of the National Executive Committee (NEC) ahead of 2027 general elections.

Other elected officials include Senator Ugochukwu Uba as deputy national chairman (South); Dr. Olu Agunloye as national secretary; Hajiya Mariam Maggie Batubo as national treasurer; and Barr. Joseph Achille Abu as national organising Secretary.

Also elected were Araba Rufus Aiyenigba as national publicity secretary; Barr. Aderemi Abimbola as national legal adviser; Mr. Bello Ado Hussaini as national financial Secretary; Hajiya Sa’adatu Abdullahi as national woman leader; Hon. Daniel Ibe as national youth leader; and Chief Lekan Alabi as leader of Persons with Disabilities, among one other.

In his acceptance speech, Prof. Sadiq Gombe assured party members that the new leadership would discharge its responsibilities as servant leaders in line with the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the electoral Act, and the constitution of the SDP.

He pledged that the leadership would not take the confidence reposed in it for granted.

According to him, Nigeria is currently facing serious challenges and requires upright, committed, and patriotic leadership, as well as strong political parties capable of strengthening democracy.

“Political parties are fundamental to democracy. I want to assure you that the SDP, under our watch, will lead with transparency, responsibility, and commitment to the welfare of its members and Nigerians at large,” he said.

Gombe noted that Nigeria is projected to become the third most populous nation in the world after India and China within the next two decades, stressing the need for credible leadership and a viable political alternative.

“We must rise to the challenge and provide the alternative platform Nigerians are yearning for,” he added.

He stated that the SDP would continue to position itself as a credible platform for the country’s rescue mission.

The re-elected chairman also commended Bala Mohammed for granting the convention to be held in Bauchi state despite not being a member of the party.

“If you observe the way the 2026 SDP National Convention is being conducted in Bauchi, one would assume it is his own political party organising the event. We need more leaders with such democratic convictions because that is how democracy thrives,” he said.

He urged party members to remain steadfast and continue believing in the leadership of the party. “We will not let you down, nor will we take your trust for granted,” he added.