SDP Crisis Escalates as Police Seal Abuja Secretariat

The Social Democratic Party (SDP) is experiencing a deepening crisis as the police sealed its secretariat in Abuja ahead of a national convention scheduled for Bauchi State next weekend. Dr.

Olu Agunloye, the party's national secretary, addressed journalists, alleging that armed policemen were sent to disrupt the convention preparations. He accused the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of meddling in the party's internal affairs, which he claimed was aimed at destabilizing the SDP before the 2027 general elections.

The party's leadership maintains that there are no internal disputes warranting intervention, despite receiving a letter from INEC inviting them to an alternative dispute resolution meeting. The leadership crisis stems from disciplinary actions against party officials accused of financial misconduct.

Professor Sadiq Gomb, the national chairman, criticized INEC for its actions, asserting that they contradict a Supreme Court ruling affirming the autonomy of political parties. The situation escalated as the police allowed a rival faction access to the secretariat, raising concerns about the legitimacy of their actions.