Leaders of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) on Thursday, August 28, 2025, paid a courtesy visit to former Military President, General Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida (rtd), GCFR, at his Hilltop residence in Minna, Niger State.

The delegation, led by the Acting National Chairman, Dr. Sadiq Umar Abubakar Gombe, included members of the National Working Committee (NWC), zonal vice chairmen, and other prominent party leaders. Among them were 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; National Publicity Secretary, Araba Rufus Aiyenigba; National Woman Leader, Hajiya Sa’adatu Abdullahi; National Labour and Civil Society Secretary, Mrs. Rosemary Effiong; as well as zonal vice chairmen and the party’s 2023 governorship candidate for Kogi State, Alhaji Muritala Ajaka.

Speaking on behalf of the delegation, Dr. Gombe congratulated the elder statesman for the grace of life and commended him as the father and founder of the SDP, whose foresight and contributions have left indelible marks on Nigeria’s political and developmental history.

He explained that the visit was not only to felicitate with him but also to seek his counsel and guidance in steering the affairs of the party.

In his remarks, the National Secretary, Dr. Agunloye, who served under Babangida as the pioneer Corps Marshal of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), lauded the former Head of State for his enduring influence in national affairs.

He noted that Babangida’s Minna residence had become a rallying point for political leaders seeking wise counsel and strategic guidance. He also described the SDP as one of Babangida’s enduring legacies in Nigeria’s democratic evolution.

Responding, General Babangida expressed appreciation for the visit, prayers, and goodwill of the SDP leaders. He expressed delight that the party he helped establish continues to thrive as a relevant political institution in Nigeria. He described the SDP as a “vehicle for national redemption” and urged its leaders to remain resilient, uphold its founding ideology, and strengthen its role as a truly national party.

Babangida expressed confidence in the current leadership of the SDP, noting that the party has committed patriots capable of repositioning it for success in future elections and contributing to Nigeria’s democratic consolidation and development.