***As new leadership takes oath in Bauchi

The 2026 National Convention of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) in Bauchi State opened on a charged political note on Friday, as Professor Usman Bugaje, who chaired the convention, accused the ruling party of systematically weakening Nigeria’s democratic space and warned that citizens must resist what he described as creeping political oppression.

Bugaje, speaking before a hall filled with delegates, party leaders and observers, said Nigeria was facing a convergence of economic hardship, insecurity and institutional decay that had left citizens disillusioned and struggling for survival.

“Despite all these challenges, your presence here today is a measure of your commitment and determination to change your fortunes for good,” he said. “No sacrifice is too great in changing fortunes.”

But his most forceful remarks were directed at the political establishment, which he accused of weaponising state institutions against opposition voices.

“Congratulations for the courage of conviction and for standing out from a timid and spineless crowd running to take shelter in a ruling party that has stolen this country dry while leaving Nigerians in excruciating poverty and utter misery,” Bugaje declared.

He alleged that key democratic institutions had been compromised.

“National institutions like the judiciary and democratic institutions like INEC have become tools in the hands of unscrupulous politicians, tossed around like chess pieces,” he said.
“The attempt by the ruling party to block political space and eliminate opposition is one of the most despicable offences in a democracy.”

Drawing historical parallels, Bugaje referenced Nigeria’s military past, warning that authoritarian tendencies never endure.
“Only a quarter of a century ago, General Abacha, with all his military might, detained who he could and did what he could, yet he could not achieve what he wanted,” he said.

“History is recording the actions of those aiding oppression, and there are consequences either here or hereafter.”

Despite the fiery tone, Bugaje insisted the SDP was emerging as a structured alternative force, capable of offering credible leadership ahead of the 2027 elections.
He said the party was not driven by elite interests or “deep pockets,” but by citizens seeking reform.

“The SDP is particularly positioned to provide that alternative,” he said.
“Our party may not have the big men and deep pockets that have defined Nigerian politics, but those same deep pockets are what brought the country to its knees.”

He called on professionals, religious leaders and young Nigerians to enter politics and resist what he described as the capture of the political space by destructive interests.
“We are reaching out to courageous Nigerians who are ready to stand up to the rubbish our politics has become today,” he added.

Following the opening session, newly elected national officers of the SDP took their oath of office in a solemn ceremony that formally marked the transition of leadership after their emergence through voice vote at the convention.

Administered by convention officials, the oath bound the executives to loyalty, constitutional discipline and service to the party’s collective interest.

“I do solemnly swear and affirm that I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to the Social Democratic Party,” the officers recited.
“That I will discharge my duties faithfully and in accordance with the provisions, rules and regulations of the constitution of the Social Democratic Party.”

The officers further pledged to act in the interest of unity and stability.
“I will always act in the interest of the integrity, solidarity, well-being and prosperity of the Social Democratic Party. So help me God,” they affirmed.

Gombe charges leadership to rebuild trust
In his acceptance remarks, the newly elected National Chairman, Professor Sadiq Umar Gombe, pledged a leadership anchored on discipline, transparency and strict adherence to constitutional provisions.

“Nigeria today is bleeding and in dire need of upright, committed and patriotic leadership,” he said.

He said the SDP would strengthen internal structures and position itself as a credible alternative for Nigerians ahead of the 2027 general elections.

“The SDP will lead with transparency, responsibility and commitment to the well-being of its members and Nigerians at large,” he stated.

Gombe also warned that Nigeria’s demographic future demanded urgent political preparedness.
“Nigeria is going to be the third most populous nation on earth after India and China in the next two decades. We must therefore be up and doing,” he said.

He commended party stakeholders and thanked Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed for what he described as his support for democratic processes and peaceful conduct of the convention.

The convention ended with renewed calls for unity, internal democracy and grassroots mobilisation, as the SDP positions itself for a more competitive role in the 2027 general elections.