The Social Democratic Party (SDP) faces fresh turmoil as the Abubakar Gombe-led NWC rejects the Modibbo faction’s planned summit in Owerri, linking it to an alleged ADC coalition agenda.
The crisis rocking the Social Democratic Party (SDP) has taken another dramatic turn, exposing deeper divisions within the opposition party.
The latest dispute centres on a political summit scheduled to hold on Friday, September 5, 2025, at the Okwadike Events Centre, Venessa Hotel, Owerri, Imo State.
The event, titled “SDP Political Conference Summit,” is being spearheaded by a faction loyal to Adamu Abubakar Modibbo.
“The group claims to have the backing of 23 state chairmen and insists it represents the true leadership of the party.
In a swift response, the Dr. Abubakar Gombe-led National Working Committee (NWC) dissociated itself from the planned summit.
In a strongly worded statement signed by the National Publicity Secretary, Araba Rufus Aiyenigba, the NWC described the event as “illegal, misleading, and a calculated attempt to deceive party members.”
The committee alleged that the summit was designed to advance the political agenda of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), a coalition movement allegedly promoted by former Kaduna State governor, Mallam Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai.
“The so-called summit is an illegality being committed by a group of dissidents whose overarching objective is to deceive our members and lure them into the ADC coalition.
“Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, who is behind this, is no longer a member of the SDP and cannot speak or act on behalf of the party,” Aiyenigba said.
The NWC recalled that on July 28, 2025, El-Rufai, Modibbo, and seven others were expelled from the SDP for 30 years over anti-party activities.
It further disclosed that legal proceedings are already underway against the expelled members.
The party leadership urged SDP supporters in Imo State, across the South-East, and nationwide to ignore the summit, stressing that the SDP is not in alliance talks with the ADC or any other coalition.
It reiterated its loyalty to the party’s founding ideology and manifesto.
The current rift traces back to June 2025, when National Chairman Alhaji Shehu Gabam was suspended over allegations of financial misconduct, including unauthorised financial transactions and diversion of party funds.
Two other members of the NWC were also indicted.
The development opened the floodgates for power struggles within the party. On July 25, 2025, Modibbo convened an emergency National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting in Abuja.
At the meeting, which was boycotted by the Gombe-led NWC, Modibbo was announced as Acting National Chairman. He promised reforms, reconciliation, and reorganisation, including the dissolution of existing standing committees.
However, the Gombe-led faction swiftly dismissed the NEC meeting as unconstitutional.
National Secretary Dr. Olu Agunloye described it as a “charade,” accusing Modibbo of attempting to hijack the party through illegitimate means.
Despite the prolonged internal wrangling, Dr. Gombe insists his leadership is working to reposition the SDP as a credible political alternative.
According to him, ongoing efforts are geared towards strengthening grassroots structures, mobilising supporters, and building a stronger national presence ahead of the 2027 elections.
“The SDP is not part of any coalition talks. We remain committed to our founding ideology and manifesto. We will not allow dissidents to derail the vision of our founding fathers,” the NWC stated.