Set boundaries for new members
The State Chairmen of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) have reaffirmed their confidence in the party’s leadership and structure, outlining key resolutions to maintain stability amid an influx of new members.
In a communiqué issued yesterday, after its meeting in Abuja, the SDP chairmen declared full support for the party’s National Chairman, Shehu Musa Gabam, and National Secretary, Dr. Olu Agunloye.
They, however, applauded their efforts and dedication in strengthening and repositioning the party.
The state chairmen, amid a wave of high-profile defections into the party, said that membership registration must follow the party’s internal structures, warning against individuals attempting to register themselves outside established procedures.
“New members are welcome, but they cannot admit or register themselves,” the communiqué stated, reinforcing that state leadership remains the gateway for the party’s membership.
The state chairmen, while acknowledging the need for structural adjustments to accommodate new members, stressed that fundamental elements of the party, such as its name, logo, insignia, slogan, constitution, and manifesto, should not be altered without thorough deliberation by the National Executive Committee (NEC).
They also cautioned against dissolving elected party structures at the state or national levels to appease new entrants or special interests, insisting that all elected officials should be allowed to serve out their terms as stipulated.
Furthermore, they reaffirmed the SDP’s commitment to democratic principles, urging that all decisions be made through consultation and in the best interests of the party as a whole.
They, therefore, warned against any attempt to subsume the SDP under the ambitions of individuals, sectional interests, or political factions.
“The SDP belongs to all Nigerians. It must not be hijacked by any individual or interest group,” they declared.
