By Segun Adewale in Bauchi
The Social Democratic Party has re-elected Prof. Sadiq Umar Abubakar Gombe as its national chairman to lead the affairs of the party for another four years.
This was as Prince Adewole Adebayo emerged as the sole presidential candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) for the 2027 general elections.
Prof Sadiq Gombe was returned unopposed during the party’s 2026 national convention held on Saturday at Abubakar Tafawa Balewa Stadium, Bauchi alongside 11 other members of the National Executive Committee (NEC) ahead of 2027 general elections.
Other elected officials include Senator Ugochukwu Uba as deputy national chairman (South); Dr. Olu Agunloye as national secretary; Hajiya Mariam Maggie Batubo as national treasurer; and Barr. Joseph Achille Abu as national organising Secretary.
Also elected were Araba Rufus Aiyenigba as national publicity secretary; Barr. Aderemi Abimbola as national legal adviser; Mr. Bello Ado Hussaini as national financial Secretary; Hajiya Sa’adatu Abdullahi as national woman leader; Hon. Daniel Ibe as national youth leader; and Chief Lekan Alabi as leader of Persons with Disabilities, among 1 other.
In his acceptance speech, Prof. Sadiq Gombe assured party members that the new leadership would discharge its responsibilities as servant leaders in line with the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the electoral Act, and the constitution of the SDP.
He pledged that the leadership would not take the confidence reposed in it for granted.
According to him, Nigeria is currently facing serious challenges and requires upright, committed, and patriotic leadership, as well as strong political parties capable of strengthening democracy.
“Political parties are fundamental to democracy. I want to assure you that the SDP, under our watch, will lead with transparency, responsibility, and commitment to the welfare of its members and Nigerians at large,” he said.
Gombe noted that Nigeria is projected to become the third most populous nation in the world after India and China within the next two decades, stressing the need for credible leadership and a viable political alternative.
“We must rise to the challenge and provide the alternative platform Nigerians are yearning for,” he added.
He stated that the SDP would continue to position itself as a credible platform for the country’s rescue mission.
The re-elected chairman also commended Bala Mohammed for granting the convention to be held in Bauchi state despite not being a member of the party.
“If you observe the way the 2026 SDP National Convention is being conducted in Bauchi, one would assume it is his own political party organising the event. We need more leaders with such democratic convictions because that is how democracy thrives,” he said.
He urged party members to remain steadfast and continue believing in the leadership of the party. “We will not let you down, nor will we take your trust for granted,” he added.
Prince Adewole Adebayo emerged as the sole presidential candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) for the 2027 general elections.
Adebayo was unanimously elected by delegates from the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) during the party’s 2026 national convention held on Saturday at the Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa Memorial Stadium in Bauchi.
In his acceptance speech, the Ondo-born politician said he joined the presidential race to rescue Nigeria from its current challenges, describing the nation’s condition as alarming.
“Nigerians are hungry and homeless. We are jobless. We are without peace. We are without leadership,” he said.
Adebayo warned against what he described as the growing concentration of power in the country, stressing that the real danger facing Nigeria is not a one-party state but “one-man rule.”
“People say Nigeria is in danger of becoming a one-party state. I disagree. The real danger is one-man rule because that is where they are taking this country,” he stated.
He criticised the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), claiming that internal democracy no longer exists within the party.
“Today, the most oppressed political party in Nigeria is the APC itself. What we are doing here today, they cannot do within their own party. They wait for one person to decide everything for everybody,” he said.
Adebayo stressed the importance of political diversity, noting that Nigeria needs multiple parties with different ideas but united by loyalty to the country.
He assured party supporters that the SDP would continue to grow because its existence proves democracy is still alive in Nigeria.
The SDP candidate also accused President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of attempting to dominate the political space.
“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is not satisfied with being the presidential candidate of the APC alone. He wants to be the presidential candidate of every political party in Nigeria,” he alleged.
Adebayo declared that the SDP would contest all elective positions in the 2027 elections, including governorship, National Assembly, and state assembly seats, among others across the federation.
According to him, poverty can only be addressed through effective governance at the state and local government levels.
“Today, where are the promised jobs? Where are the benefits of the so-called fuel subsidy savings? Trillions have disappeared without accountability,” he said.
He further accused the current administration of poor economic management, rising hardship, and excessive borrowing without visible development.
“This government has borrowed more money than many administrations combined since independence, yet contractors remain unpaid, infrastructure remains abandoned, and nobody can clearly explain where the money has gone,” he added.
Adebayo cautioned Nigerians against making poor electoral choices in 2027, saying the country cannot afford another failed government.
“It would be a national tragedy if, after the suffering, underperformance, corruption, and mismanagement Nigerians have endured, the next government turns out to be even worse,” he warned.
He called on Nigerians to unite beyond ethnic, religious, and political differences in order to rebuild the country. “We are not united against one man. We are united for one purpose it’s the rescue and rebuilding of Nigeria,” he said.
The SDP presidential candidate reaffirmed the party’s commitment to social welfare, justice, accountability, and national development, insisting that Nigeria’s resources must benefit the people rather than a privileged few.
“Nigeria is not a private company. Nigeria belongs to Nigerians. We must build a government that spends public money for the public good,” he stated.
Adebayo promised that if elected president in 2027, he would launch a national jobs and public works programme aimed at drastically reducing unemployment within two years.
“Every Nigerian child deserves access to quality education. Every young Nigerian must have the opportunity to learn skills and prepare for a productive future,” he said.
