The Forum of State Chairmen of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) has reiterated its commitment to welcoming new members, including prominent politicians from across the country, while maintaining the party’s democratic structure and core principles.
In its inaugural meeting held on Thursday in Abuja, the Forum passed a vote of confidence in the leadership of the SDP, which includes the national chairman, Alhaji Shehu Musa Gabam, and the national secretary, Dr. Olu Agunloye.
A total of 25 state chairmen who attended the meeting expressed their support for the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) and commended its efforts in repositioning the party.
Reading a communiqué at a press conference after the meeting, the Chairman of the Forum, Honourable Femi Olaniyi, emphasized that while the SDP is open to new members, their admission and registration must be conducted through the party’s internal structures led by the state chairmen.
He said, “We warmly welcome the influx of new members to our party, including prominent politicians from across the country. However, new members must be admitted and registered through the appropriate party structures. They cannot register themselves as members independently.”
Olaniyi also underscored the need for structural adjustments to accommodate the new members while ensuring that fundamental aspects of the party—such as its name, logo, slogan, and constitution—are not altered without thorough consultation among the National Executive Committee (NEC) members.
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“Any drastic changes to the party’s constitution or manifesto must be carefully deliberated. The democratically elected structures of the SDP at both the state and national levels must not be arbitrarily dissolved to appease new entrants or any particular interests,” he added.
The Forum further stressed the importance of maintaining the SDP’s consultative and democratic culture, ensuring that decision-making processes remain transparent and inclusive.
Former Majority Leader of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Honourable Ogunlade Michael, while echoing this sentiment, said new members must integrate with a sense of unity rather than seek to hijack the party’s structure.
“Everybody joining the party should do so with the spirit of oneness, not with the intention of taking over its structures,” Ogunlade said.
Meanwhile, the SDP, which has been seeking to strengthen its position as a viable alternative in Nigeria’s political landscape, continues to navigate internal dynamics while positioning itself for the upcoming elections.
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