Professor Sadiq Gombe has emerged as the new National Chairman of the Social Democratic Party following the party’s 2026 national convention held in Bauchi on Saturday.
Gombe was sworn in alongside other members of the newly elected National Working Committee after delegates ratified the party’s leadership structure during the convention.
Speaking shortly after his inauguration, the new chairman described the SDP as the most credible political platform capable of taking over leadership in Nigeria ahead of the 2027 general elections.
He thanked party members and delegates for entrusting him with the mandate to lead the party and pledged to provide transparent, patriotic and committed leadership in line with the Nigerian Constitution, the Electoral Act and the party’s constitution.
“I thank you sincerely for the confidence reposed in us and for giving us yet another mandate to lead. We assure you of our commitment to the ideals, principles and wellbeing of the party and Nigeria,” Gombe said.
He stated that the party under his leadership would remain focused on offering Nigerians a credible alternative amid the country’s mounting socio-economic and political challenges.
“We want to assure Nigerians that the SDP will provide the needed alternative platform for the rescue mission of this country,” he added.
The newly elected chairman stressed that Nigerians were yearning for responsible and transparent leadership, insisting that the SDP would not take the trust of citizens for granted.
Gombe also acknowledged the contributions of the party’s presidential candidate, leaders and stakeholders toward sustaining the growth and relevance of the SDP over the years.
Earlier at the convention, the Chairman of the National Convention Committee, Usman Bugaje, criticised the current state of governance in Nigeria, citing insecurity, rising petrol prices, unemployment, poor infrastructure and widespread poverty as major challenges confronting the country.
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Bugaje commended party members for remaining committed despite the prevailing economic hardship.
“That despite all these challenges you are able to come in your numbers is a measure of your commitment and determination to change your fortunes for good,” he said.
He accused the ruling party of shrinking the democratic space and suppressing opposition voices, alleging that key institutions, including the judiciary and the Independent National Electoral Commission, had become tools in the hands of politicians.
“The attempt by the ruling party to block the political space and eliminate competition and opposition is one of the most despicable offences today,” Bugaje stated.
According to him, the convention’s theme, “Building a People’s Coalition to Secure Our Homeland and Defeat Poverty,” reflected the SDP’s determination to build a people-oriented movement rooted in social democratic ideals and competent leadership.
The convention also produced other members of the National Working Committee, including Senator Ugochukwu Uba as Deputy National Chairman (South), Olu Agunloye as National Secretary, Hajiya Mariam Maggie Batubo as National Treasurer, Joseph Achille Abu as National Organising Secretary, and Araba Rufus Aiyenigba as National Publicity Secretary, among others.