SDP Crisis Deepens in Kogi as Chairman Disowns Lokoja Congress, Demands Probe
The Kogi State Chairman of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Moses Peter, has rejected the legitimacy of a congress reportedly held in Lokoja on May 4, 2026, declaring the exercise null, void, and an exercise in futility.
In a statement issued Tuesday and made available to journalists in Lokoja, Peter insisted he remains the duly recognized state chairman of the party, citing records with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
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He referenced a letter dated April 27, 2026, signed by the SDP National Chairman, Alhaji Shehu Musa Gabam, and addressed to the INEC Chairman, which he said affirms his leadership of the party in Kogi State.
Peter faulted the conduct of the purported congress, alleging it lacked authorization from the party’s national secretariat. He noted that no official electoral committee was constituted to oversee the exercise, rendering its outcome invalid.
He further described the process as highly irregular, claiming that Suleiman Babanawa acted as electoral officer while his son, Suleiman Abdulmalik, allegedly administered oaths to declared officials, an action he said contravenes the party’s constitution and established democratic norms.
Urging members to remain calm and law-abiding, Peter assured that the matter would be resolved through due process in line with party rules.
In a related development, another faction within the party, led by Jacob Egbunu, has also called on the SDP National Secretariat to immediately disband the group behind the disputed congress to safeguard the party’s credibility.
In a protest letter addressed to the party’s national chairman and copied to INEC, Egbunu described the exercise as a violation of party guidelines.
“The said congress was conducted without notice to statutory stakeholders, without authorization from the National Working Committee, and in flagrant breach of the party’s constitution. It therefore lacks legal and moral standing,” he stated.
Egbunu further alleged that those involved in the exercise were acting on behalf of opposition interests to create disunity and undermine the party ahead of the May 10 deadline for submission of party registers and other electoral processes.
He urged the national leadership not to recognize or ratify the outcome of the congress and called on INEC to disregard any submissions or correspondence emanating from individuals he described as unauthorized, including Mr. Sofada Idris and Dr. Achimugu Emmanuel.
He also demanded an immediate investigation by the National Working Committee, with sanctions for those found culpable of anti-party activities.
“The SDP in Kogi State remains committed to due process, constitutional order, and the will of the people. We cannot allow impostors and external agents to hijack our structure and derail the hope of Kogi people,” Egbunu added.
(DEMOCRACY NEWSLINE NEWSPAPER, MAY 5TH 2026)
