JamzNG Latest News, Gist, Entertainment in Nigeria
The newly appointed National President of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Professor Sadiq Gombe, has called for greater transparency and fairness in Nigeria’s electoral process ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Speaking following his ratification by the National Executive Committee (NEC) as Acting President, Professor Gombe urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the National Assembly to ensure that the provisions of the Electoral Law 2026 are fully implemented to ensure free, fair and credible elections.
He noted that political parties and other stakeholders continued to raise concerns about some aspects of the electoral law, underscoring the need for reforms that will strengthen public confidence in Nigeria’s democratic process.
Gombe said the SDP remains ready to actively participate in the 2027 elections, recalling that the party played a historic role in Nigeria’s democratic journey over three decades ago when it won what is widely considered one of the most credible elections in the country’s history.
According to him, the growing support for the party at the popular and national levels has demonstrated the confidence Nigerians have in the SDP as a credible political alternative.
“We want to assure Nigerians that we will not take their trust for granted. The SDP will continue to work to provide the credible alternative that Nigerians desire,” he said.
The President also commended the party’s elected members in the National Assembly and state Houses of Assembly for their commitment to democratic ideals and good governance.
He urged them to remain shining examples among their peers and continue to offer strong legislative leadership that will strengthen the party and Nigeria’s democracy.
Gombe appreciated election observers and monitoring teams for their presence during the party’s National Executive Committee meeting, expressing hope that their reports would reflect the orderly and transparent conduct of the proceedings.
Describing the meeting as historic, he said the peaceful and civil manner in which the party conducted its internal processes demonstrated the SDP’s commitment to democratic values and internal discipline.
He encouraged other political parties to emulate the party’s example in promoting democratic principles and responsible political conduct.
The SDP President also called on Nigerians and political stakeholders to work collectively to strengthen democratic institutions and ensure national progress.
He expressed optimism that, with sustained commitment to democratic ideals, Nigeria can overcome its challenges and move closer to achieving its national aspirations.
Former SDP presidential candidate in the 2023 general elections, Prince Adewole Adebayo, has also called for reforms to Nigeria’s electoral laws to strengthen public trust and ensure credible elections.
Adebayo stressed the need to eliminate provisions in the electoral framework that could undermine transparency and voter participation.
He also urged citizens to actively engage in the democratic process by voting in large numbers in future elections.
The former presidential candidate recalled that Nigeria had previously conducted credible elections even during difficult times, stressing that the SDP recorded a historic victory in what is widely regarded as one of the freest and fairest elections in the country’s history.
According to him, restoring trust in the electoral system will encourage greater participation and strengthen democracy.
He maintained that the party remained committed to representing the interests of ordinary Nigerians, especially those facing challenges such as inadequate infrastructure, unemployment and limited access to essential services.
He urged political actors to prioritize the well-being of citizens and work to build a governance system that reflects the aspirations of the Nigerian people.
Chairman of the State Presidents’ Forum, Femi Olaniyi, has reaffirmed support for the party’s national leadership, promising continued cooperation to strengthen the party and advance its vision across the country.
Olaniyi acknowledged the efforts of the National Chairman and members of the National Working Committee in maintaining unity and focus within the party despite the challenges.
The party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) also ratified the appointment of Prof. Sadiq Gombe as the party’s National President and approved several strategic decisions aimed at strengthening the party’s structure and operations.
During the meeting, the NEC also received and adopted the state of the party report presented by the National Secretary, Olu Agunloye.
The committee subsequently approved and ratified all decisions and actions taken by the National Working Committee (NWC) between March 2022 and March 2026.
Among other resolutions, the NEC ratified the appointment of party members to fill vacant positions in both the National Working Committee and the National Executive Committee.
It also approved the proposed programmes, times and times for the party’s primaries, congresses, conventions and other related political activities in 2026/2027.
The committee also approved the zoning agreement for the offices of the party’s national president and presidential candidate.
NEC also authorized changes to the party’s 2022 Constitution to reflect the zoning formula and other necessary adjustments.
Furthermore, the NEC approved disciplinary measures taken within the party between March 25, 2022 and March 8, 2026, including suspensions, expulsions and the acceptance of resignations of some party officials.
The committee also directed the National Working Committee to fill vacancies where necessary and to reorganize the administration and operations of the party organs at the national, zonal and state levels to improve efficiency and effectiveness.
