The Social Democratic Party (SDP) has felicitated with former Military President, General Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida (rtd), on the occasion of his 84th birthday.
A delegation of the party’s National Working Committee (NWC), Zonal Vice Chairmen and other leaders, led by the Acting National Chairman, Dr. Sadiq Umar Abubakar Gombe, visited the elder statesman at his Hilltop residence in Minna, Niger State, on Thursday.
Members of the delegation included the Deputy National Chairman (South), Senator Ugochukwu Uba; National Secretary, Dr. Olu Agunloye; National Legal Adviser, Barr. Aderemi Abimbola; National Organizing Secretary, Barr. Joseph Achike Abu; Publicity Secretary, Araba Rufus Aiyenigba; National Woman Leader, Hajiya Sa’adatu Abdullahi; and National Labour and Civil Society Secretary, Mrs. Rosemary A. Effiong. Others were Hon. Wafari Theman, National Vice Chairman (North-East); Chief Silas Alani, National Vice Chairman (South-West); AVM Sadick Abubakar Liman (rtd.), National Vice Chairman (North-Central); and Alhaji Muritala Ajaka, the party’s 2023 governorship candidate in Kogi State.
Speaking on behalf of the party leadership, Dr. Abubakar Gombe congratulated Babangida for witnessing another year, describing him as the father and founder of the SDP. He lauded the former president for his foresight and enduring contributions to Nigeria’s development, adding that the visit was not only to celebrate him but also to seek his guidance and tap from his wealth of wisdom.
Also speaking, the National Secretary, Dr. Agunloye, who served under Babangida as the pioneer Corps Marshal of the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC), said the former head of state had remained a towering figure in national affairs. He noted that Babangida’s Hilltop residence had become a rallying point for political leaders seeking wise counsel and strategic direction. He added that Nigerians still associate him with enduring legacies, among which was the creation of the SDP.
In his response, Babangida thanked the SDP leaders for their visit, goodwill and prayers. He expressed delight that the party, which he described as one of his legacies, had continued to remain relevant in the country’s political landscape.
He said Nigeria still needs the SDP as a platform for national redemption and expressed confidence in the ability of its current leadership to uphold its founding ideology.
Babangida urged the party leaders to remain resilient, protect its national outlook, and continue to play a central role in strengthening Nigeria’s democracy.
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