The Social Democratic Party (SDP) has declared an end to its prolonged leadership crisis, announcing that it has regained full recognition from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) following a series of legal victories and internal reconciliations.
Speaking in Abuja, the party’s National Chairman, Professor Sadiq Gombe, said the development marked a turning point for the SDP, describing it as a validation of its adherence to due process, constitutional provisions and internal democracy.
He explained that the crisis began on June 24, 2025, when the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) suspended some members over alleged misconduct. According to him, disciplinary committees were constituted to investigate the allegations, while affected members were given the opportunity to defend themselves and appeal in line with the party’s constitution.
Gombe said the internal process later triggered a series of court cases that ultimately reached the Supreme Court, which reaffirmed the rights of political parties to regulate their internal affairs without external interference.
“The Supreme Court made it clear that decisions taken by the party are binding on members and that political parties have exclusive powers to manage their internal affairs,” he said.
He added that despite the rulings, the party initially faced challenges in getting INEC to fully recognise its leadership structure. However, following further legal clarifications and ratification by the National Executive Committee (NEC), INEC eventually restored the names of the authentic leadership on its official portal.
According to him, the development effectively resolved disputes over the party’s leadership and consolidated the legitimacy of the current National Working Committee.
Gombe also pointed to recent milestones, including the party’s National Convention in Bauchi and the emergence of Dr Prince Adewole Adebayo as its presidential candidate. He described the convention as historic, noting that the SDP became the first political party to conclude both its national convention and presidential primary ahead of the 2027 general elections.
He urged aggrieved members to return to the party, stressing that the SDP remained open to reconciliation.
“As parents, we understand that people can make mistakes. The SDP remains one united family,” he said, adding that the party was ready to welcome back members willing to contribute to its growth.
Gombe reaffirmed the party’s focus on key national priorities, including education, healthcare, security, infrastructure, food security and youth empowerment, saying the SDP aimed to position itself as a credible alternative for Nigerians ahead of 2027.
He also commended the judiciary, INEC, the media and party stakeholders for their roles during the crisis, expressing confidence that the SDP had emerged stronger and more united.
“The SDP is back, stronger and more united. We are ready to provide the leadership Nigerians deserve,” he said.
