The Acting National Chairman of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Dr. Sadiq Umar Abubakar Gombe, has described corruption as the single greatest problem destroying Nigeria.
He declared that bad leadership has crippled the nation and robbed citizens of hope, security and prosperity.
Speaking in an interview, Gombe said Nigeria’s crisis is not accidental, but the direct outcome of corrupt leadership and fraudulent practices entrenched in both 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.”
*SDP deals with corruption
Gombe revealed that the SDP recently took decisive action after uncovering alleged fraud and criminal financial irregularities within the party.
According to him, an audit exposed serious financial misconduct linked to top officials of the party.
Consequently, the party took the decision to suspend its former National Chairman, Alhaji Musa Gabam; the National Youth Leader, Chief Ogbonna Ugochukwu, and the National Auditor.
He added that an investigative committee was set up and sat for two weeks, allowing accused officials the opportunity to defend themselves.
While the National Auditor reportedly appeared before the committee, Gwambe said the former chairman and youth leader refused to appear.
“After due process, a White Paper Committee reviewed the findings and the erring members were expelled.
“They were given opportunities to defend themselves and they refused,” he said.
Gwambe dismissed claims of crisis or factionalisation within the SDP, stressing that the actions of the party was constitutional and supported by the majority of the party’s National Working Committee(NWC).
“This is not a crisis. Twelve out of fifteen NWC members took action to protect the integrity of the party,” he said.
*Nigeria choked under anti-people policy
Gombe accused the current administration of implementing policies that punish ordinary Nigerians while deepening poverty and hardship.
“Everything today is about taxing and pressing the common man. 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,” he stated.
He warned that Nigeria’s democracy is under threat, citing voter apathy and low electoral participation as dangerous signs.
“A president elected with less than nine percent of registered voters is unacceptable. It shows we are not serious about our future,” he added.
*SDP positions for 2027
The SDP chairman said the party is repositioning itself as a credible alternative ahead of the 2027 general elections, drawing strength from its history and legacy.
“The SDP remains the party of welfarism, justice and service. Leadership is about providing well-being, security and shared values for the people,” Gwambe stated.
Gombe urged Nigerian youths and women, whom he described as the worst victims of current policies, to rally behind the SDP.
He said the party is open to all Nigerians with the capacity, character and courage to lead.
“Defection of governors is not our focus. Some people defect because of skeletons in their cupboards. In the SDP, we have no skeletons and no fear,” he stressed.
He alled for national rebirth, urging Nigerians to register, vote and reclaim their country.
“Together we shall rescue this country. Nigeria deserves better leadership, and the SDP is ready to provide it,” he stated.
He also reaffirmed the party’s commitment to transparency, accountability and service, stressing that the SDP would not betray the trust of Nigerians of voted to lead the country.
