Professor Sadiq Umar Abubakar Gombe has been elected National Chairman of the Social Democratic Party during its 2026 national convention held in Bauchi on Saturday. He was sworn in alongside other members of the party's National Working Committee. Gombe described the SDP as the most qualified political platform to lead Nigeria into the 2027 general elections. He pledged leadership that is transparent, committed and patriotic, in line with the Nigerian Constitution, the Electoral Act and the party's internal guidelines.
"I thank you sincerely for the confidence reposed in us and for giving us yet another mandate to lead. We assure you of our commitment to the ideals, principles and wellbeing of the party and Nigeria," Gombe said. He stated the SDP would not take Nigerians for granted and emphasized the need for upright, transparent leadership. "We want to assure Nigerians that the SDP will provide the needed alternative platform for the rescue mission of this country," he added. Gombe also acknowledged the party's presidential candidate, leaders and stakeholders for their roles in the SDP's growth.
Usman Bugaje, Chairman of the National Convention Committee, criticized the current government over insecurity, high petrol prices, poor infrastructure, unemployment and poverty. He praised party members for attending the convention despite national hardships, calling their presence a sign of commitment to change. "That despite all these challenges you are able to come in your numbers is a measure of your commitment and determination to change your fortunes for good. No sacrifice is too great in changing the fortunes of the nearly 300 million oppressed people," Bugaje said.
He accused the ruling party of shrinking democratic space and using institutions like the judiciary and INEC as political tools. "The attempt by the ruling party to block the political space and eliminate competition and opposition is one of the most despicable offences today," he stated. The convention's theme, "Building a People's Coalition to Secure Our Homeland and Defeat Poverty," was highlighted as a reflection of the party's social democratic vision. Bugaje said the SDP is fielding fresh, energetic candidates unlike other parties recycling past leaders.
The newly elected National Working Committee includes Sen. Ugochukwu Uba as Deputy National Chairman (South), Olu Agunloye as National Secretary, Hajiya Mariam Maggie Batubo as National Treasurer, Joseph Achille Abu as National Organising Secretary, Araba Rufus Aiyenigba as National Publicity Secretary, Aderemi Abimbola as National Legal Adviser, Bello Ado Hussaini as National Financial Secretary, Hajiya Sa'adatu Abdullahi as National Woman Leader, Daniel Ibe as National Youth Leader, Rosemary Effiong as National Society Secretary, and Lekan Alabi as Leader of Persons With Disabilities.
Gombe leads a party calling for new leadership while benefiting from a re-election that extends his own political tenure. The SDP positions itself against recycled leaders yet returns Gombe to a top role. Nigerians are being asked to trust a renewal message delivered by a familiar figure. The contradiction lies in the call for fresh candidates and the retention of established ones.
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