The Acting National Chairman of the Social Democratic Party, Dr. Sadiq Umar Abubakar Gombe, has described corruption as the single biggest problem undermining Nigeria, lamenting that bad leadership has crippled the country and robbed citizens of hope, security, and prosperity.
He said Nigeria’s challenges were not accidental but a direct result of corrupt leadership and fraudulent practices deeply rooted in government and political parties.
“Corruption is our greatest problem in this country and leadership is our bane,” he said.
“If you want to fix leadership, you must first cleanse the party itself.”
Dr. Gombe disclosed that the SDP recently took firm action after uncovering alleged fraud and criminal financial irregularities within the party, explaining that an internal audit revealed serious misconduct involving top officials.
Following the findings, the party suspended its former National Chairman, Alhaji Musa Gabam, the National Youth Leader, Chief Ogbonna Ugochukwu, and the National Auditor. He said an investigative committee was constituted and sat for two weeks, during which the affected officials were given the opportunity to defend themselves.
According to him, while the National Auditor honoured the committee’s invitation, the former chairman and the youth leader declined to appear.
“After due process, a white paper committee reviewed the findings and the errant members were expelled,” he stated.
“They were given opportunities to defend themselves but they refused.”
Gombe dismissed reports of crisis or factionalisation within the SDP, insisting that the actions taken were constitutional and backed by the majority of the party’s National Working Committee.
“This is not a crisis. Twelve out of 15 NWC members took action to protect the integrity of the party,” he said.
He accused the current administration of pursuing policies that worsen poverty and hardship, arguing that ordinary Nigerians were bearing the brunt of governance failures.
“Everything today is about taxing and pressing the common man,” he said.
“Policies are debated, but by the time they are gazetted, they are fraudulently altered. This is happening before our eyes because of corruption and bad leadership.”
The SDP chairman also warned that Nigeria’s democracy was in danger, pointing to voter apathy and low turnout during elections as troubling indicators.
“A president elected with less than nine percent of registered voters is unacceptable,” he said. “It shows we are not serious about our future.”
Dr. Gombe said the SDP was repositioning itself as a credible alternative ahead of the 2027 general elections, drawing from its history and ideological foundation.
“The SDP remains the party of welfarism, justice and service,” Gombe said.
“Leadership is about providing well-being, security and shared values for the people.”
He called on Nigerian youths and women, whom he described as the worst affected by current policies, to support the SDP, noting that the party was open to Nigerians with the capacity, character, and courage to lead.
“Defection of governors is not our focus,” he said. “Some defect because of skeletons in their cupboards. In the SDP, we have no skeletons and no fear.”
Gombe urged Nigerians to work toward national rebirth by registering, voting, and reclaiming the country’s democratic space.
“Together we shall rescue this country,” he declared. “Nigeria deserves better leadership and the SDP is ready to provide it.”
He reaffirmed the party’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and service, pledging that the SDP would not betray the trust of Nigerians.
