By George Mgbeleke

The Social Democratic Party (SDP) has faulted the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for uploading from its website the name of its expelled former National Chairman, Shehu Musa Gabam as the party’s National Chairman, categorically noting that Dr Abubakar Sadiq Gombe remains SDP authentic National Chairman.

Making this declaration at a Press conference held at the party’s National Secretariat on Wednesday in Abuja, National Chairman, Dr Abubakar Sadiq Gombe said INEC presumably erred in uploading the name of his predecessor,Shehu Musa Gabam who was expelled by the highest organ of the party NEC based on gross financial misappropriation and malfeasance.

He said,”As a matter of fact, Shehu Musa Gabam is no longer a member of the Social Democratic Party, having been duly expelled from the SDP, and the expulsion was formally ratified by the NEC of the party on March 9, 2026, having being earlier suspended on 24 June 2025, for gross financial misappropriation and malfeasance, investigated by a duly constituted Panel of Enquiry, and found guilty and reported to the Police.

“He was later expelled from the Party on 23 October 2025, and his expulsion was ratified by the Party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) at its meeting of 9 March 2026, which was monitored by INEC Team.

“The SDP will not join issues with an expelled member, more so, considering that Shehu Musa Gabam is facing criminal proceedings for his misappropriation of our party’s funds and for gross abuse of office.

On the preparation for 2027 election, the Chairman declared the party guidelines for the 2027 general elections, saying “we are starting Our Congresses from the 1st day of May to 5th starting with the Ward Congresses,state Congresses, Zonal and rounding it up with National Convention which is going to take place on the 9th of May at Abauchi state.

The party he said will sale forms for governorship, State Assemblies,House of Representatives and Senate and lastly Presidential election.

On the resolution of the opposition parties to present a common presidential candidate to contest the 2027 election, Dr Gombe said SDP will present it own presidential candidate independently, noting that has taken that decision and is working for its realization.

“The party is set to go into the 2027 general elections noting that the party has been busy with preparations for 2027 elections. We will not be distracted by whatever. We are focused, our eyes are on the ball and nothing more.

He noted that internal issues of political parties should be the responsibility of the party to take care off. “Parties should be allowed to handle its internal affairs and we are fully incharge of our internal affairs.We are set and not distracted.”
Meanwhile, former deputy governor of Nasarawa State who doubled as former Minister of Information, Ibrahim Maku who came into the venue of the Press Conference identified himself as a member of the party congratulated the leadership of the party for standing tall despite all distractions.
He assured the leadership that Nasarawa State will embrace the party enmass and give it all support in the girthcoming general elections.

By Our Correspondent

As Pamultation for 2027 election heats up,former presidential candidate of Labour Party (Pl), Mr Peter Obi and key South-East political leaders have intensified pre-2027 consultations, holding a strategic closed-door meeting with former President Goodluck Jonathan amid growing calls for opposition realignment.

On April 27, 2026 — The high-level engagement, held in Abuja, reportedly focused on Nigeria’s political direction and possible coalition-building ahead of the next general elections. Sources indicate that Obi was accompanied by prominent regional stakeholders, reinforcing the South-East’s push for greater influence in national politics.

Although details of the discussions were not publicly disclosed, the meeting has triggered speculation about a broader alliance capable of challenging the ruling party.

Analysts suggest the consultations may be part of a wider strategy to consolidate opposition strength and possibly present a unified presidential front.

In a related development, political figure Gbenga Hashim urged the labour movement and civil society groups to actively defend Nigeria’s democracy, warning that complacency could weaken democratic institutions ahead of 2027.

Together, these developments underscore intensifying political manoeuvres, as alliances, regional interests, and ideological blocs begin to reposition in what is shaping up to be a defining electoral contest

By Our Correspondent

In a bid actualize his vowed ambition to contest 2027 President Presidential election,President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Tuesday opened the long awaited sale of nomination and expression of interest forms of the All Progressives Congress by picking the first forms to prepare grounds for his reelection i

The president bought the forms through a proxy, Federal House of Representatives member, representing Ikeja Federal Constituency, Chief James Faleke, who led a delegation of directors in the presidency to the Abuja Intercontinental Hotel (formerly Sheraton Hotels and Towers), where the event took place to purchase the nomination forms.

The documants were handed over to the delegation by the National Organising Secretary of the All Progressives Congress, Sulaiman Muhammad Argungu on Tuesday immediately the party commenced the sales to aspirants, who came from the 36 states of the federation to pick the documents for the 2027 elecrions.

Fielding questions from journalists shortly after picking the forms, Hon. James Faleke, expressed optimism on the chances of the reelection of President Bola Tinubu.

“My name is James Abiodun Faleke. I represent Ikeja Federal constituency. And by the grace of God, I am the representative of Mr. President in the House of Reps. So for all support groups who have made efforts, who have contributed money to purchase the form, I have done so on their behalf, on behalf of Nigerians.

“There is no one particular person that has done this. It is on behalf of all Nigerians.Just as we did pre-2023 election, I was also privileged with some leaders to buy the form. Here again, I am privileged to buy the form on behalf of all Nigerians, for our president, for our performing president and by the grace of God, 2027 will be a reality. By the grace of God, he will contest and he will win the election.

“At the same time, I am also privileged, with my friend here, Hon. Ajala, to pick the form for the incoming governor of Lagos, Dr. Kadiri Obafemi Hamza. And let me also say that those of us who contributed money to buy this form are like more than 1,000 in Lagos.

“It is not just one person. All of us cannot come here and pick the form. Only representatives are sent. And I am also lucky to be one of those who have been sent to pick the form. At the same time, I picked my own form to come back to the House of Reps and you can see the forms with me. So, I am lucky, and I am also waiting behind to get the receipt of our incumbent senator, Senator Idiat Adebule, that I will pick the form for her from my West Senetorial District. This is just to let you know that everything is intact and God is in charge.

“First, let me tell you that political parties can come together as part of democracy. When we do our work, they will do their work,” Faleke remarked.

The president is so far the only aspirant for the presidential election in the APC to have obtained the forms, which cost N100 million representing N30 million for Expression of Interest and N70 million for nomination forms.

Representatives of many other aspirants expecially those vying for governorship, the Senate and House of Representatives seats were seen at the venue and they purchased the two forms for their principals.

The exercise, which started on Saturday, April 25, 2026 will end on Saturday, May 2, 2026 and it is hoped that all aspirants would have picked up their forms because the APC has ruled out the possibility of extending the period for the sales of forms.