‘Unavailable venues’ forces SDP to move national convention from Abuja to Bauchi

Growing security concerns and difficulties to secure a venue have compelled the Social Democratic Party (SDP) to relocate its national convention scheduled for May 9 from Abuja to Bauchi State, further highlighting the increasing impact of insecurity on Nigeria’s political landscape ahead of the 2027 elections.

The decision, announced by the party’s National Chairman, Sadiq Gombe, comes amid mounting anxiety over safety and the ability of political parties to freely organise major activities in parts of the country.

According to Gombe, the party opted for Bauchi after encountering difficulties securing a suitable venue in the Federal Capital Territory.

“Given difficulties in securing a venue, we decided to move it to Bauchi, since constitutionally, the convention can take place anywhere in the country,” he explained.

The SDP chairman also expressed appreciation to the Bauchi State Government for supporting the party despite political differences.

“We sincerely appreciate the Governor of Bauchi State who, despite not being a member of the SDP, graciously provided us with a venue for our convention,” he added.

The relocation is being viewed by political observers as another sign of how insecurity and operational challenges are beginning to reshape Nigeria’s democratic process, with political parties, election managers, and security agencies increasingly under pressure to guarantee safe and credible political engagements.

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Despite the venue change, the party leadership insisted that preparations for the convention remain on course and that measures had been put in place to ensure a seamless exercise.

Gombe disclosed that arrangements had already been concluded to protect delegates, aspirants, and party members travelling to Bauchi for the event.

As part of the preparations, the party inaugurated several committees to coordinate different aspects of the convention process, including screening and electoral operations.

The committees include the Screening Committee, Electoral Committee, Convention Committee, alongside a number of sub-committees assigned to handle specific responsibilities.

Explaining the framework put in place for the exercise, the SDP chairman said, “Each of the four committees has clearly defined responsibilities to ensure a credible exercise. They were constituted to ensure a smooth and credible exercise.

“We have confidence in the committee members’ competence and integrity to carry out their responsibilities with diligence, fairness and transparency. We assure all that the process will be conducted strictly in line with established guidelines.”

He further disclosed that the ongoing screening exercise would cover aspirants contesting for positions across all levels of government.

“Our screening exercise will cover all aspirants contesting for elective positions, including the office of the President, governorship seats across the 36 states, National Assembly, and State Houses of Assembly,” he assured.

The screening process, which began in Abuja, is expected to determine the eligibility of aspirants ahead of the convention where candidates for various offices are expected to emerge.

Chairman of the Screening Committee, Sadiq Lima, also stressed the importance of fairness, transparency, and integrity throughout the exercise.

“Despite our different levels of familiarity, we must approach this assignment with diligence and integrity,” Lima said.

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