Leadership of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) vowed to proceed with its national convention in Bauchi State despite security interference in Abuja.

The move signals a deepening crisis within the party as it struggles with internal factionalism and external pressure from law enforcement and electoral regulators. The party's ability to hold a legitimate convention is critical for its legal standing and its capacity to field candidates for future elections.

National Chairman Professor Sadiq Gombe and other party leaders said that the convention remains scheduled for May 9, 2024 [1]. This commitment comes after the party alleged that its secretariat in Abuja was invaded by forces backed by the police.

Adding to the instability, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has recognized a rival faction of the party. The SDP leadership said the convention in Bauchi will serve as a means to continue internal party processes regardless of these challenges.

There are conflicting accounts regarding why the event was moved from the Federal Capital Territory to Bauchi State. One report said the shift occurred because the party was unable to secure a suitable venue in the capital. Other accounts suggest the move is a direct response to the police-backed invasion of the party's headquarters.

Despite these contradictions, the party has begun the screening of presidential aspirants as part of the lead-up to the gathering. The leadership said the event in Bauchi will proceed as planned to ensure the party's organizational structure remains intact.

“SDP leadership pledged to hold its May 9 national convention in Bauchi State”

The SDP is facing a dual crisis of legitimacy: a legal battle with INEC over which faction represents the party and a physical conflict with state security forces. By moving the convention to Bauchi, the party is attempting to bypass local obstructions in Abuja, but the lack of INEC recognition for this specific leadership group could render the convention's outcomes legally void or spark further litigation.