SDP ratifies Gombe as national chairman
The Social Democratic Party (SDP) National Executive Committee (NEC) ratified Sadiq Gombe as its new national chairman during a meeting in Abuja on Monday. The ratification followed a motion by Gaza Gbefwi, endorsed by Gbenga Akinbuli, and included appointments of Ugochukwu Uba as national deputy chairman (South) and Rosemary Effiong as national secretary. The NEC also suspended former chairman Shehu Gabam and others for alleged gross misconduct, ratified decisions from March 2022 to March 2026, and approved zoning arrangements for party leadership positions to ensure representation and inclusion. Gombe, in his acceptance speech, emphasized the party's stability and commitment to credible elections, urging INEC and the National Assembly to strengthen the Electoral Act. Former presidential candidate Adewale Adebayo criticized provisions in the 2026 Electoral Act, while party leaders called for unity and discipline to avoid past crises. The meeting demonstrated the SDP's resolve to rebuild structures and advance democratic development nationwide.