The Shehu Gabam-led faction of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) has elected Abimbola Akeem Atanda as its presidential candidate for the 2027 general election.
Atanda emerged during the party’s 2026 National Convention and presidential primary held Wednesday at the Bola Tinubu Conference Centre in Abuja. His nomination was approved through a voice vote by delegates from the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.
The party also announced the suspension of several top officials, including National Secretary Dr. Olu Agunloye, National Publicity Secretary Araba Rufus Aiyenigba, Prof. Sadiq Umar Abubakar Gombe, Adewole Adebayo, Joseph Achile Abu, Maggie Mariam Batubo, Sa’adatu Abdullahi, Abimbola Aderemi, Oguchukwu Uba, Huseesini Bello, Alabi Lekan, Rosemary Effiong, and Abubakar Modibo.
According to the party leadership, the affected members were sanctioned for actions allegedly inconsistent with the party’s constitution and principles.
The convention also ratified the return of Shehu Gabam as National Chairman alongside other members of the National Working Committee.