The Social Democratic Party (SDP) has restated its commitment to a transparent and credible internal process as it moves to hold its national convention on May 9 in Bauchi, a key step in positioning the party ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Speaking through a senior official at the party’s National Secretariat in Abuja, the National Chairman, Professor Sadiq Gombe, said preparations had reached an advanced stage, with structures already activated to ensure what he described as a “smooth, fair and hitch-free exercise.”

He disclosed that over 400 committees have been constituted to manage different aspects of the convention, ranging from screening and accreditation to logistics, elections and dispute resolution.

“We have set up over 400 committees, including the Screening Committee, Electoral Committee, Convention Committee and several sub-committees, each with clearly defined responsibilities to ensure a credible exercise,” the official said.

According to him, the screening of aspirants will commence at the party’s conference hall at the National Secretariat in Abuja, which also serves as its registered office with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
The exercise, he explained, will cover all aspirants seeking elective offices—ranging from the presidency, governorship positions in all 36 states, National Assembly seats, and State Houses of Assembly.

The party leadership maintained that the SDP is determined to present candidates across all constituencies nationwide, describing the move as part of a broader strategy to strengthen its national footprint ahead of the next election cycle.

It urged members to remain peaceful and adhere strictly to party guidelines, stressing that internal discipline would be central to the credibility of the convention.

“We assure all members that the process will be conducted strictly in line with established guidelines,” the official added, while also commending stakeholders for their continued support and commitment to party unity.

He expressed optimism that the Bauchi convention would further consolidate internal democracy and reposition the party for stronger electoral competitiveness.

On his part, the Chairman of the Screening Committee, Air Vice Marshal Sadiq Abubakar Lima, emphasized strict adherence to eligibility rules, warning that compliance would be non-negotiable.

“Despite our different levels of familiarity, we must approach this assignment with diligence and integrity,” Lima said.

He added that any aspirant who fails to meet the stipulated requirements would not be cleared to contest, stressing that the integrity of the process must be protected at all costs.

The SDP leadership said it remains confident that the convention will produce credible flagbearers and strengthen cohesion within the party, as it seeks to present itself as a serious contender in Nigeria’s evolving political landscape.