SDP Elects Sadiq Gombe as Chairman, Adopts Adebayo as 2027 Presidential Candidate

The Social Democratic Party has a new chairman and a presidential candidate locked in for 2027 — all settled at its national convention in Bauchi on Saturday.

Prof. Sadiq Gombe was elected SDP National Chairman at the event, defeating rival factions amid what had been a messy internal crisis in the weeks leading up to the convention. Adewole Adebayo, the party’s 2023 presidential candidate, was adopted by consensus as the SDP’s flagbearer for the 2027 general election.

Gombe Takes the Chair

Gombe was sworn in alongside a new National Working Committee that includes Deputy National Chairman (South) Sen. Ugochukwu Uba, National Secretary Olu Agunloye, National Treasurer Hajiya Mariam Maggie Batubo, and National Publicity Secretary Araba Rufus Aiyenigba.

In his first remarks after taking the oath of office, Gombe vowed transparency and pledged to position the SDP as a credible opposition alternative ahead of 2027. “We want to assure Nigerians that the SDP will provide the needed alternative platform for the rescue mission of this country,” he said.

Adebayo Returns as Candidate

Adebayo’s adoption was moved through motions by state chairmen and passed by delegates at the convention. In his address, he took direct aim at the current government’s economic management, saying poor policies were making hardworking Nigerians look lazy.

“For many who are working very hard, the economic policies of the government of the day make them look lazy because when they go home, their children ask why there is no food, why school fees are unpaid, and why sick relatives cannot access healthcare,” Adebayo said, according to TheCable.

He also warned against what he described as a drift toward one-party rule, and urged Nigerians to use democratic processes to force change.

APC in the Crosshairs

Convention Committee Chairman Usman Bugaje used the occasion to criticise the Tinubu government, citing insecurity, unemployment, and economic hardship. This Day Live reported that party leaders accused the APC of “crushing opposition” and vowed a fierce battle for power come 2027.

The convention held in Bauchi despite earlier threats of a rival gathering elsewhere, with Governor Bala Mohammed’s state hosting without incident — a point Adebayo specifically commended.

Sources: Daily Post, TheCable, This Day Live