The Social Democratic Party (SDP) in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) has raised serious concerns regarding the conduct of its ongoing congress elections, alleging widespread irregularities and demanding immediate cancellation of the process. During a protest held in Abuja, party members, led by the FCT chapter’s Publicity Secretary, Taye Ojo, voiced their grievances and formally petitioned the SDP National Chairman, Shehu Gabam, to address the pressing issues. The allegations center on a lack of transparency and due process, disenfranchisement of members, and a disregard for the party’s constitution.
The crux of the SDP FCT chapter’s complaint revolves around the sale of nomination forms. Party members claim that there was no official communication or public announcement regarding the commencement of sales, the process involved, or the deadline for submission. This lack of transparency, according to Ojo, effectively barred interested members from participating in the electoral process, undermining the principles of fairness and inclusivity. The absence of clear guidelines and timelines created confusion and prevented potential candidates from exercising their right to contest for party positions. This lack of access to information further fueled suspicions of manipulation and deliberate exclusion within the party ranks.
Adding to the concerns regarding the nomination process, the SDP FCT chapter also condemned the absence of formal notification regarding the congress elections themselves. Ojo pointed out that party members were not informed about the dates, venues, modalities, or guidelines for the elections. This omission, he argued, constituted a “blatant disregard for due process and the party’s constitutional provisions.” The lack of notification effectively disenfranchised a significant number of eligible stakeholders, preventing them from participating in the democratic process within the party.
The combined effect of the opaque nomination process and the lack of communication regarding the congress elections, according to the SDP FCT chapter, was the disenfranchisement of numerous loyal and eligible members. They argued that this violated democratic principles and undermined the SDP’s commitment to internal democracy. The perceived lack of transparency and the exclusion of a significant portion of the membership raised questions about the legitimacy and credibility of the entire electoral process. The protesting members argued that the irregularities observed jeopardized the integrity of the party and threatened its unity.
In light of these alleged irregularities, the SDP FCT chapter demanded the immediate suspension of the ongoing congress elections and the cancellation of all congresses held thus far, including those conducted on May 1, 2025. This drastic measure, they argued, was necessary to restore credibility to the process and uphold the integrity of the party. The FCT chapter stressed the urgency of the situation, urging the National Working Committee, under the leadership of Chairman Shehu Gabam, to take swift and decisive action to address the concerns and ensure justice, fairness, and party unity. The call for immediate action underscored the depth of their concerns and their commitment to rectifying the perceived injustices within the party’s electoral process.
The protest and the subsequent petition represent a significant challenge to the leadership of the SDP. The allegations of irregularities, if substantiated, could undermine the party’s credibility and internal cohesion. The National Working Committee’s response to the FCT chapter’s demands will be critical in determining the future direction of the party and its ability to maintain internal democracy and unity. The outcome of this situation will likely have implications for the SDP’s ability to effectively compete in future elections and maintain its relevance in the Nigerian political landscape. The party’s commitment to addressing these concerns and ensuring a fair and transparent electoral process will be closely watched by both its members and the wider public.
