Top executives of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) have paid courtesy visits to a former military leader, General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida (rtd.), and former Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar (rtd), in Minna, Niger State.
The party said it was part of efforts to strengthen democratic values and seek guidance from elder statesmen.
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During the visits, the former leaders commended the SDP leadership for their sustained commitment to democratic ideals and their contributions to the growth and stability of Nigeria’s democratic system.
They emphasised the need for collective responsibility among political leaders and citizens, urging all stakeholders to work together to ensure that democracy in Nigeria does not derail.
The elder statesmen also offered prayers for the restoration of peace across the country and for the revival of the nation’s economy, expressing optimism that Nigeria would overcome its current challenges.
Speaking shortly after the meeting with General Babangida at his Hilltop residence in Minna, the party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Adewale Adebayo, expressed satisfaction with the direction of the party.
He said the visit provided an opportunity to receive valuable guidance on areas requiring improvement, describing the engagement as good news for Nigerians seeking a credible and people-oriented political alternative.
Adebayo stressed that the next general election presents a critical opportunity for Nigerians to decisively confront insecurity, corruption, and poverty, noting that effective leadership is essential to national recovery.
Also speaking, the acting National Chairman of the SDP, Sadiq Gombe, explained that the visit to General Abdulsalami Abubakar was primarily to commiserate with him over the recent death of his sister and in-law, as well as to seek his prayers and blessings for the party.
Gombe stated that the party had undergone significant internal reorganisation and repositioning aimed at ensuring a credible and successful outing in the 2027 general elections.
According to him, internal reforms are vital to the strengthening of democracy, adding that political parties must first put their own houses in order before they can effectively deliver good governance to the people.
On the issue of insecurity, the SDP acting national chairman called on the Federal Government to urgently address the worsening security challenges confronting the nation.
He stressed that without adequate security, citizens would be unable to freely engage in economic activities, attend schools, or participate meaningfully in the democratic process.
In his remarks, the member representing Karu–Keffi–Kokona Federal Constituency of Nasarawa State in the House of Representatives, Gaza Jonathan, said Nigerians deserved purposeful, transparent, and people-oriented leadership to drive national development.
Jonathan noted that with the right leadership and clear vision, Nigeria had the capacity to achieve sustainable progress and improve the welfare of its citizens.
The visits, party leaders said, formed part of ongoing consultations with elder statesmen as the SDP intensifies preparations ahead of future elections and reinforces its commitment to democratic stability, national unity, and good governance.
