By Aderogba George
The Social Democratic Party (SDP) says it remains committed to a transparent and credible national convention scheduled for May 9 in Bauchi.
The party has also commenced screening of aspirants, including its presidential hopeful, Dr Adewale Adebayo, and other contestants for various elective positions.
The National Chairman, Prof. Sadiq Gombe, said the party had made “extensive preparations” to ensure a smooth and hitch-free convention process.
Addressing members at the party’s National Secretariat in Abuja on Wednesday, Gombe said more than four committees had been constituted to manage the exercise.
“We have set up over four committees, including the Screening Committee, Electoral Committee, Convention Committee and several sub-committees, each with clearly defined responsibilities to ensure a credible exercise,” he said.
He explained that the screening exercise was taking place at the party’s conference hall, which also serves as its registered office with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
According to him, the exercise covers all aspirants for elective positions, including the presidency, governorship seats across the 36 states, National Assembly, and State Houses of Assembly.
Gombe said the party was determined to field candidates in all constituencies nationwide, describing it as part of preparations for the 2027 general elections.
He urged members of the screening committee to discharge their duties with fairness and transparency.
“We have confidence in the competence and integrity of the committee members. They must carry out their responsibilities with diligence, fairness and transparency,” he said.
The party leadership also commended members and stakeholders for their support, expressing optimism that the convention would strengthen internal democracy and party unity.
Gombe further urged aspirants and party members to remain peaceful and adhere strictly to established guidelines.
“We assure all members that the process will be conducted strictly in line with established guidelines,” he added.
On his part, the Chairman of the Screening Committee, Air Vice Marshal Sadiq Liman, said the committee would strictly enforce eligibility requirements.
He warned that any aspirant who fails to meet stipulated conditions would be disqualified.
“In spite of our different levels of familiarity, we must approach this assignment with diligence and integrity.
“The screening would be conducted in line with the party’s constitution and electoral guidelines, “ Liman said.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Benson Ezugwu/Tosin Kolade
