SDP Removes Adewale, Agunloye, Ayienigba and Others; Elects New National Working Committee

• Picks Abimbola Atanda as presidential candidate

Oghenevwede Ohwovoriole in Abuja

The Social Democratic Party (SDP) held its 2026 national convention in Abuja on Wednesday, during which it expelled several members, including Adewale Adebayo, Olu Agunloye, Rufus Ayienigba, and others.

The convention also elected a new National Working Committee (NWC). Shehu Gabam was chosen as national chairman, and the party selected Abimbola Atanda as its presidential candidate for the 2027 election by voice vote.

The meeting followed a prior convention held by the Adebayo Adewale faction in Bauchi. A court later reinstated the Shehu Gabam-led NWC as the legitimate leadership of the party. This decision was confirmed by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), which observed the convention where Gabam was re‑elected and the expulsion of Adebayo Adewale and other members was ratified.

Members expelled include: Dr. Olu Agunloye, Prince Adewale Adebayo, Dr. Sadiq Umar, Abunakar Gombe, Joseph Abu, and Maggie Batubo. Additional expulsions were Sa’adatu Abdullahi, Rufus Ayienigba, Barr. Abimbola Aderemi, Oguchuckwu Uba, Haseesini Belo, Alabi Lekan, Rosemary Effing, and Abunakar Modibo.

Newly elected NWC members are: National Chairman Shehu Gabam; National Secretary Hon Aka Abbas; Deputy National Secretary Muhammad Ibrahim Biu; Deputy National Chairman South Arinze Ekelem; National Organising Secretary Dr. Uchechukwu Chukwuma; National Legal Adviser Barr. Muka’ila Yahaya Mavo; National Publicity Secretary Zakari Nadabu; National Woman Leader Barr. Hauwa Aliyu Ahmed; and National Youth Leader Hon. Steven Otu. The Executive also includes National Financial Secretary Abubakar Isiaka; National Treasurer Chuks Thomas Tudeme; and National Auditor Nze Clarkson.

Chairman Shehu Gabam said, “Today is not merely a convention day; it is a testimony that institutions still matter, that truth may be delayed but can never be defeated, and that when men and women choose principles over personal ambition, laws over lawlessness, unity over delusions, democracy survives.”

He added, “In our collective destiny we gathered here at a defining moment in the history of our party, a moment borne out of trials tested by turbulence and purified through struggle. The storm came, the disagreement came, the attempt to divide and destabilise our party came, yet through it all the Social Democratic Party stood fine because political parties built on personalities eventually collapsed but political parties based on principles endured.”

Deputy National Secretary Ibrahim Biu noted, “Every enduring movement passes through storms before emerging stronger. The Social Democratic Party has faced such a season, a defining struggle for its identity, constitutional order, and the connected future of this great party.”

He continued, “Yet, through resilience, adherence to due process, and the unwavering commitment of members of this great party, the party stands united, stronger, and noble than before.”

Abimbola Atanda, in his acceptance speech, promoted a people‑oriented government with compassion and inclusion, stating, “As Nigeria continues to face hardship and uncertainties, the time has come for leadership that is compassionate, transparent, accountable, and people‑oriented.”

He added, “It is time for service to the people, and I am stepping forward because I believe Nigeria deserves better and that the youth deserves opportunities and that the women deserve inclusion and empowerment.”

Party leader Hamsa Mustapha (Rtd) emphasized the need for a more people‑oriented government that will provide security and welfare, and that will be accountable, inclusive, and transparent.