The Acting National Chairman of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Dr. Sadiq Umar Abubakar Gombe, has issued a stark assessment of Nigeria's condition, stating that the nation is being suffocated by systemic corruption and anti-people government policies.
Internal Party Purge and Constitutional Action
Gombe revealed that the SDP recently undertook a significant internal cleansing after an audit uncovered alleged fraud and serious financial misconduct involving top party officials. The party suspended its former National Chairman, Alhaji Musa Gabam, the National Youth Leader, Chief Ogbonna Ugochukwu, and the National Auditor. An investigative committee was established and sat for two weeks.
While the National Auditor appeared before the committee, Gombe stated that the former chairman and youth leader refused to present themselves. Following due process, a white paper committee reviewed the findings, leading to the expulsion of the erring members. Gombe dismissed any notion of a party crisis, emphasizing that twelve out of fifteen members of the party's National Working Committee supported the constitutional action to protect the SDP's integrity.
Corruption as Nigeria's Fundamental Crisis
In a broader critique, Gombe identified corruption as the single most destructive force in Nigeria. He argued that the country's myriad problems are not accidental but the direct result of corrupt leadership and fraudulent practices deeply entrenched in government and political parties. "Corruption is our greatest problem in this country and leadership is our bane," he declared. "If you want to fix leadership, you must first cleanse the party itself."
He accused the current administration of implementing policies that punish ordinary citizens, deepening poverty and hardship. Gombe alleged that policies are often fraudulently altered after public debate, before being gazetted into law. "Everything today is about taxing and pressing the common man," he lamented.
A Warning and a Call to Action for 2027
Gombe expressed grave concern for Nigeria's democracy, citing alarming voter apathy and low electoral participation. He described a situation where a president can be elected by less than nine percent of registered voters as unacceptable and a sign that the nation is not serious about its future.
Positioning the SDP as a credible alternative, Gombe stated the party is drawing strength from its legacy of welfarism, justice, and service. He called on Nigerian youths and women, whom he described as the worst victims of current policies, to rally behind the SDP. The party, he said, is open to all Nigerians with the capacity, character, and courage to lead.
He concluded with a rallying cry for national rebirth, urging citizens to register, vote, and reclaim their country. "Together we shall rescue this country," Gombe declared. "Nigeria deserves better leadership, and the SDP is ready to provide it."
