ABUJA, Nigeria — Prof. Sadiq Gombe has formally taken over the national secretariat of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), ending the party’s protracted leadership crisis following the Independent National Electoral Commission’s official recognition of his faction as the legitimate leadership.
The takeover, which occurred on Monday at the party’s headquarters in Abuja, marked the culmination of a lengthy legal and political battle between rival factions that had paralysed the party’s operations for months. Gombe, who emerged as the factional chairman, was recognised by INEC after a court ruling affirmed his leadership.
In his acceptance speech, Gombe called for unity and reconciliation among party members, stressing that the leadership crisis had distracted the SDP from its core mandate of providing a viable political alternative for Nigerians. He promised to reposition the party for electoral success in the 2027 general elections, focusing on good governance, accountability, and citizen-centred policies.
The protracted leadership tussle had resulted in two separate factions laying claim to the party’s structure and secretariat, with court cases and counter-claims delaying the party’s preparations for upcoming elections. The faction led by former Kaduna State Governor Ahmed Makarfi had also laid claim to the party’s leadership, but INEC’s decision to recognise Gombe’s faction brought an end to the uncertainty.
INEC had earlier stated that its decision to recognise Gombe’s leadership was based on a comprehensive review of court judgments and the party’s constitution. The commission urged the party to resolve its internal disputes amicably and focus on building a strong democratic institution.
Following the takeover, SDP members and supporters expressed relief that the crisis had been resolved, with many pledging to work with the new leadership to rebuild the party. However, some stakeholders have expressed concerns about the potential for further infighting as the 2027 elections approach.
The SDP, which was one of the leading opposition parties in the 1990s, has struggled to regain its former prominence in Nigeria’s political landscape. The resolution of its leadership crisis is seen as a critical step towards reviving the party’s fortunes and positioning it as a credible alternative to the ruling All Progressives Congress and the Peoples Democratic Party.
As Gombe settles into his new role, the party faces the daunting task of rebuilding its structures across the country, mobilising support, and preparing for the 2027 elections. For now, the SDP’s leadership crisis appears to have been laid to rest, but the road ahead remains challenging.
