The National Chairman of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Prof Sadiq Gombe, has reaffirmed commitment to a transparent and credible process ahead of its forthcoming national convention.
Addressing party members at the national secretariat, Gombe said extensive preparations were underway for the convention scheduled to hold on May 9 in Bauchi.
“Given difficulties in securing a venue, we decided to move it to Bauchi, since constitutionally
the convention can take place anywhere in the country.”
He explained that several committees had been constituted to ensure a smooth and credible exercise.
According to him, the party had set up over four committees, including the Screening Committee, Electoral Committee, Convention Committee, and other sub-committees, each tasked with specific responsibilities.
He noted that the screening for aspirants would commence at the party’s conference hall at the national secretariat, which is the party’s registered office with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
He emphasised that the screening process would cover all aspirants contesting for elective positions, including the office of the president, governorship positions across the 36 states, National Assembly and State Houses of Assembly positions.
The party, he added, was committed to fielding candidates in all constituencies nationwide, underscoring its readiness for the general elections.
While expressing confidence in the competence and integrity of members of the screening committee, the party leadership urged them to carry out their responsibilities with diligence, fairness, and transparency.
He also extended appreciation to party members and stakeholders for their continued support and commitment, expressing optimism that the upcoming convention would further strengthen the party’s internal democracy and unity.
The Chairman called on all aspirants and members to remain peaceful and abide by the rules guiding the exercise, assuring that the process would be conducted in line with established guidelines.
On his part, the Chairman of the screening committee, Air Vice Marshal Sadiq Abubakar Lima, expressed appreciation to members of the committee for their efforts, while emphasising the importance of strict adherence to laid-down guidelines in the screening process.
He noted that despite varying levels of familiarity among committee members, the assignment must proceed with diligence and integrity.
He stressed that the committee’s activities must be guided by established criteria, adding that any aspirant who did not meet the stipulated requirements would be deemed ineligible to contest.