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.

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.
The convention, however, was overshadowed by a major internal purge. The Gabam-led leadership announced the suspension and expulsion of several prominent members accused of anti-party activities and actions deemed contrary to the SDP constitution.

Among those affected are Adewole Adebayo, Dr. Olu Agunloye, and other senior party figures.
Party officials said the decision followed findings that the individuals undermined party cohesion and discipline at a critical period ahead of the general elections.

Leadership of the faction insisted that the disciplinary measures were necessary to restore order and reinforce constitutional authority within the party, describing the move as part of efforts to stabilise the SDP after months of internal tension.
The convention also reaffirmed the leadership of Shehu Gabam, consolidating his position as national chairman of the faction going into the 2027 election cycle.

Despite the internal shake-up, party leaders maintained that the SDP remains committed to its founding principles of social justice, democratic accountability, and inclusive governance, describing the convention outcome as a “reset rather than a rupture.”
The development comes weeks after another SDP national convention in Bauchi where Adewole Adebayo had earlier emerged as the party’s presidential candidate through consensus, underscoring the widening leadership dispute within the party’s ranks.