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A faction of the Social Democratic Party(SDP) has elected Sadiq Gombe as its substantive national chairman during the party’s convention held in Bauchi State on Saturday.
The convention took place at the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa Stadium, where Gombe, who had been serving in an acting capacity since 2025, became the chairman alongside other members of the party’s National Working Committee.
Among those elected were Ugochukwu Uba as deputy national chairman (South), Olu Agunloye as national secretary, Mariam Batubo as national treasurer, Joseph Abu as national organising secretary, Araba Aiyenigba as national publicity secretary, Aderemi Abimbola as national legal adviser, Bello Hussaini as national financial secretary, Sa’adatu Abdullahi as national woman leader, and Daniel Ibe as national youth leader.
Speaking after the inauguration of the new executives, Gombe said the party was determined to position itself as a viable alternative capable of addressing the country’s challenges.
Chairman of the convention committee, Usman Bugaje, praised party members for their commitment despite the country’s economic difficulties.
Bugaje also criticised what he described as attempts by the ruling party to shrink the political space and weaken opposition politics in the country.
“Despite all these challenges, your coming 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,” he said.
“The attempt by the ruling party to block the political space and eliminate competition and opposition is one of the most despicable offences today.”
The convention comes despite an ongoing leadership crisis within the SDP, with both Gombe and Shehu Gabam laying claim to the party’s national chairmanship.
The Gombe faction had expelled Gabam in October 2025 over allegations of financial misconduct.
However, the Independent National Electoral Commission(INEC) last month listed Gabam as the SDP national chairman on its official website following a Court of Appeal judgment affirming his leadership of the party.
