The leadership of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) has intensified preparations for its national convention scheduled for May 9 in Bauchi, unveiling an extensive framework aimed at ensuring credibility and transparency.
National Chairman, Professor Sadiq Gombe, said the party has activated over four committees to manage various aspects of the exercise and guarantee a seamless process.
According to him, the committees —include the Screening, Electoral, and Convention committees, alongside multiple sub-committees—have been assigned specific roles to deliver a hitch-free convention.
“We have set up over four committees, each with clearly defined responsibilities to ensure a credible exercise,” he said during a briefing at the party’s National Secretariat.
He disclosed that the screening of aspirants would commence at the party’s conference hall, which also serves as its registered office with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
The screening, he added, will cover all elective positions, including presidential, governorship, National Assembly, and State Houses of Assembly contests, reflecting the party’s ambition to field candidates across all constituencies nationwide.
The chairman urged members of the screening committee to uphold fairness and transparency, expressing confidence in their ability to deliver on the assignment.
“We have confidence in the competence and integrity of the committee members. They must carry out their responsibilities with diligence, fairness and transparency,” he stated.
He also commended party members and stakeholders for their continued support, noting that the convention is expected to reinforce internal democracy and unity within the party.
Gombe further appealed to aspirants and party faithful to maintain peace and adhere strictly to the guidelines governing the exercise.
“We assure all members that the process will be conducted strictly in line with established guidelines,” he added.
Meanwhile, Chairman of the Screening Committee, Air Vice Marshal Sadiq Abubakar Liman, stressed the importance of strict adherence to the rules, warning that only qualified aspirants would be cleared to contest.
“Despite our different levels of familiarity, we must approach this assignment with diligence and integrity,” Lima said.
He cautioned that any aspirant who fails to meet the stipulated requirements would be disqualified, assuring that the committee would discharge its responsibilities with utmost responsibility and professionalism.
