The National chairman of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Professor Sadiq Umar Abubakar Gombe, has defended the recent leadership changes within the party, insisting that the removal of former national chairman, Shehu Musa Gabam, followed due process and was carried out in accordance with the party’s constitution.
Speaking with journalists after a meeting with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Abuja, Gombe dismissed suggestions that the leadership dispute should be determined by entries on the INEC portal, stressing that the choice of party leadership remains the exclusive responsibility of political parties.
“The issue is not about the INEC portal. The Supreme Court has severally ruled that leadership of a political party is an internal affair to be determined by the party itself,” he said.
Gombe explained that the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) and National Working Committee (NWC) acted within their constitutional powers in disciplining some members, including Gabam, following recommendations from a disciplinary process.
According to him, the NWC, which currently consists of 11 members after disciplinary actions against some officials, approved sanctions against certain party leaders after they allegedly failed to respond to invitations from an investigative committee set up to examine allegations against them.
He said those affected were granted fair hearing popportunities but declined to participate in the process.
“The constitution is clear. Any member who is dissatisfied with disciplinary measures has five working days to appeal through the party’s internal mechanisms. None of those affected followed that process, nor did they obtain any court order setting aside their expulsion or suspension,” he stated.
The SDP chairman said the NEC subsequently ratified the disciplinary decisions and maintained that all actions taken were consistent with the party’s constitution and democratic principles.
Gombe also expressed confidence that INEC would respect the party’s decisions after reviewing relevant documents, including a Certified True Copy of a Supreme Court judgment and records of SDP NEC meetings that were monitored by the electoral commission.
He disclosed that INEC Chairman, Professor Mahmood Yakubu, informed party leaders that he had only recently returned from an official trip and had just received documents relating to the matter before presenting them to the commission.
“We are confident in the ability of INEC to do the needful. We have no reason to doubt the commission’s commitment to the rule of law and to respecting the independence of political parties in managing their internal affairs,” he said.
Commenting on INEC’s decision to appeal a Federal High Court judgement concerning its electoral timetable and schedule of activities, Gombe acknowledged that the commission had the legal right to challenge the ruling but questioned the necessity of such a move.
According to him, the judgment could provide political parties with greater flexibility to prepare for elections and conduct campaigns more effectively.
“INEC has the right to appeal, but some of us do not see the need for it. The ruling can create more room for political parties to organise themselves and prepare adequately for elections,” he said.
Looking ahead to the 2027 general elections, Gombe said the party remained open to reconciliation with aggrieved members despite the conclusion of the leadership dispute.
He noted that while the party’s constitution provides clear procedures and timelines for resolving internal conflicts, the leadership would not close the door on members willing to return and work for the party’s progress.
“As leaders, we cannot permanently discard people because they made mistakes. If anyone realises his mistake and seeks to make amends, there is nothing wrong with reconciliation. However, we believe we have moved beyond the period of internal tussles and are focused on strengthening the party for the future,” he said.
