SDP leadership validation gains momentum as Sadiq Gombe says INEC restored his leadership after reviewing party records and decisions

The National Chairman of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Alhaji Sadiq Abubakar Gombe, has described the Independent National Electoral Commission’s decision to restore his name and those of members of the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) on its portal as a significant validation of the party’s adherence to due process.

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Speaking with journalists in Abuja on Monday, Gombe said the electoral commission arrived at the decision after conducting what he described as a comprehensive review of documents and resolutions submitted by the party.

The SDP chairman explained that the review formed part of efforts by the commission to verify the legitimacy of the party’s leadership structure ahead of preparations for the 2027 general elections.

According to Gombe, INEC requested detailed information relating to the party’s national convention, disciplinary measures, appointments, elections of members of the National Working Committee, as well as records concerning the party’s presidential candidate and other candidates.

“On the 10th of this month, the INEC Commission requested the details of our convention and all other decisions of the National Working Committee in respect of the disciplinary measure and in respect of our appointments and in respect of our elections of the party National Working Committee and the presidential candidate and all other candidates across the board,” Gombe said.

He added that following the review, the commission concluded that his leadership team remained the authentic leadership of the party.

“INEC, after that review, came to the conclusion through an extract of the commission that reaffirms our leadership as the authentic leadership of the party.

It took them almost one week before they reloaded our names on their portal as the substantive leaders of the party, with my name as national chairman and all other members of the National Working Committee,” he stated.

The development follows INEC’s recent update of its records, which listed Gombe as the SDP National Chairman while removing the name of former party leader Shehu Gabam, a move that has generated discussions within political circles.

Gombe said the outcome underscored the importance of lawful procedures in resolving internal political disputes and urged other political parties to draw lessons from the SDP’s experience.

The SDP Leadership Validation, he argued, was achieved through patience, commitment and strict compliance with established procedures rather than public confrontations.

“If not for due process, we would not be where we are today. We remained committed, patient and diligently pursued our case. That is why we are where we are,” he said.

The SDP chairman further described the party as a model for political organisations seeking to strengthen internal democracy and institutional credibility.

“I want to assure you that today in Nigeria, the SDP stands out as the best party with the best lessons to be learned by all political parties, INEC and the judiciary because we follow due process in whatever we are doing,” Gombe added.

Beyond the leadership dispute, Gombe sought to reassure party members and prospective supporters about the future of the SDP, insisting that the party remained committed to its founding ideals and political ideology.

He acknowledged that recent developments had created uncertainty among some members but maintained that the party remained united and focused on providing Nigerians with a credible political alternative.

“The party remains the ideological party that Nigerians know. The party remains resolute to usher in credible candidates at all levels. The party is that alternative that Nigerians are yearning for, aspiring to and waiting for.

We are not going to let you down,” he said.

The latest development comes as political parties begin internal realignments and organisational preparations ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Analysts say the resolution of leadership disputes remains crucial for parties seeking to build cohesion and strengthen their electoral prospects in the coming political cycle.

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For the SDP, the restoration of Gombe and his executive team on INEC’s portal is likely to be viewed as an important milestone in stabilising the party’s leadership structure and positioning it for future political contests.