The Social Democratic Party (SDP) recently underwent a significant leadership restructuring, as its National Executive Committee (NEC), aligned with court-reinstated National Chairman Shehu Gabam, convened in Abuja. During this convention, the NEC took decisive action by expelling thirteen members of the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) and subsequently appointed new officers through a voice vote. This development underscores the deep-seated divisions within the party, further highlighted by a rival convention led by factional chairman Prof. Sadiq Abubakar in Bauchi State, where a separate set of executives was elected.

Among the prominent figures on the expulsion list was the party’s sole presidential candidate, Prince Adewole Adebayo, who was immediately replaced by Lagos businessman Abimbola Atanda. Other key members expelled included factional National Chairman Prof. Sadiq Gombe, National Secretary Dr. Olu Agunloye, and National Publicity Secretary Rufus Aiyenigba. The comprehensive list of expelled individuals also featured Joseph Abu, Maggie Batubo, Sa’adatu Abdullahi, Abimbola Aderemi, Oguchukwu Uba, Huseesini Bello, Alabi Lekan, Rosemary Effiong, and Abubakar Modibo. A motion was successfully passed at the Abuja convention to dissolve the existing National Working Committee and proceed with the election of a new one.

Following the dissolution, nominations were called, leading to the election of new executive members via voice vote. The newly inaugurated NWC now features Shehu Gabam as National Chairman and Adebola Abbas as National Secretary. Other critical appointments include Ibrahim Biu as Deputy National Secretary, Dr. Uchechukwu Chukwuma as National Organising Secretary, and Muka’ila Mavo as National Legal Adviser. Zakari Nadabu assumed the role of National Publicity Secretary, Hauwa Ahmed was appointed National Woman Leader, Steven Otu became National Youth Leader, and Abubakar Isiaka was named National Financial Secretary.

The NEC justified these disciplinary measures, stating that findings indicated the affected individuals had acted contrary to the party’s ideals, principles, and constitutional provisions. It was further asserted that their actions had undermined party cohesion and discipline, prompting the NEC to urge members to ratify the suspensions and expulsions.

Addressing journalists after the oath-taking ceremony, National Chairman Shehu Gabam declared that “the storm is over,” signifying an end to the party’s internal turmoil. He acknowledged that the party had encountered numerous “man-made challenges” but emphasized that it had adhered to due process, maintained composure, and was now fully revitalized. Gabam also noted that relevant institutions such as INEC and the judiciary were fully aware of past irregularities, and the party had maintained decorum to safeguard the platform it had painstakingly built and strengthened through difficult times. He famously remarked, “Any party without crisis is a briefcase political platform. Crisis helps parties identify gaps and grow stronger,” indicating a perspective that challenges can foster resilience.

In his convention address, Gabam reiterated that the SDP had withstood trials, turbulence, and attempts to destabilize it, yet remained steadfast in its principles. He expressed profound gratitude to the judiciary for restoring lawful leadership, hailing it as “the last hope of democracy itself.” Gabam also commended INEC for complying with judicial pronouncements, asserting that this bolstered public confidence in Nigeria’s democratic processes. He maintained that the party harbored no bitterness toward those who had sought to weaken it through propaganda and misinformation. Gabam concluded by appreciating members of the diplomatic corps, observers, security personnel, development partners, and the media for their presence, praying for safe journeys for all guests, and calling for unity in serving the nation, stating, “Together, we shall strengthen democracy, build a stronger SDP, and build a better Nigeria.”