The Social Democratic Party, SDP, has re-elected Alhaji Musa Shehu Gabam as its National Chairman.
The 2026 National Convention of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) in Abuja ended in a sweeping political realignment, as the faction led by Shehu Gabam reaffirmed its leadership structure, named Abimbola Akeem Atanda as its presidential candidate for the 2027 general elections.
It also announced the expulsion of several high-profile party figures.
At the convention, delegates from all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory adopted Atanda through a voice vote, describing the process as a consensus move aimed at repositioning the party ahead of the 2027 polls.
The endorsement effectively sealed his emergence as the faction’s flagbearer.
Among those expelled are factional chairman Sadiq Abubakar Gombe, former National Secretary Olu Agunloye, and the party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Prince Adewole Adebayo.
The convention also ratified the suspension of thirteen other members for gross constitutional violations.
Despite the disciplinary actions, National Chairman Shehu Gabam stated that the party remains open to genuine reconciliation. The leadership urged aggrieved members to return to the fold to build a formidable front for future elections, emphasizing that these measures were necessary to enforce party discipline.
National Welfare Secretary Judith Shuaibu also confirmed to journalists that the NEC endorsed the mass expulsion to restore order and eliminate internal discord. Beyond the disciplinary actions and leadership ratifications, the party also utilized the national convention to conduct its primary election, setting the stage for upcoming electoral contests.
In his acceptance speech, Atanda pledged to confront Nigeria’s deepening challenges, including insecurity, unemployment, economic hardship, and declining public services.
He argued that the country’s vast resources had not translated into improved living standards, blaming weak governance and accountability gaps across public institutions.
He called for a political reset anchored on transparency, inclusion, and performance-driven leadership, insisting that the 2027 elections must mark a turning point in restoring public trust in governance.