The National Chairman of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Dr Abubakar Sadiq Gombe, has urged Nigerian students and youths to actively participate in the electoral process, stressing that the country’s challenges can only be resolved through the emergence of leaders with character, integrity, and competence.
Gombe spoke on Monday while receiving executive members of the Arewa Students Forum (ASF), who conferred on him the title of Grand Commander of the Forum and also named him one of its patrons.
Addressing the students, the SDP Chairman said Nigeria’s greatest challenge remains poor leadership, noting that no nation can make meaningful progress without leaders who possess strong moral values.
“Character comes before learning. Learning without character amounts to very little. Many people possess impressive qualifications and titles, yet their actions do not reflect the values education is supposed to instil,” he said.
He urged the students to remain committed to integrity, patriotism, and selfless service, warning them not to abandon the values they currently hold dear.
Recalling his days as a student union leader, Gombe described the period as the most fulfilling stage of his life, noting that student leaders of his generation championed causes that positively impacted society, including efforts to reduce the cost of food and other essential commodities.
The SDP chairman also advised students to obtain their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) and participate actively in the 2027 elections by supporting credible, competent, and trustworthy candidates, regardless of ethnic, religious, or regional considerations.
“You do not have to belong to the SDP to participate in the electoral process. The future belongs to you, and you must help elect leaders with character and capacity who can move the country forward,” he said.
Gombe noted that with a reported membership strength of over 2.1 million, the Arewa Students Forum occupies a strategic position in Nigeria’s political landscape and has the capacity to influence electoral outcomes.
He further observed that young people bear the brunt of poor governance through unemployment, economic hardship, and uncertainty after graduation, urging them to use their numbers and influence to shape a better future for the country.
Earlier, ASF National President, Comrade Abubakar Abdullahi, said the forum was established to address challenges confronting Northern Nigerian students and youths. He expressed concern over rising cases of alcoholism, examination malpractice, cultism, and poor career guidance among young people in the region.
Secretary-General of the forum, Comrade Suleiman Mohammed, said Gombe was chosen for the honour in recognition of his support for students, including donations of educational materials and computers.
In his remarks, SDP Deputy National Chairman (South), Senator Ugochukwu Uba, described Gombe as a servant leader whose integrity, conviction, and inclusive leadership style have strengthened the party.
The event was attended by members of the SDP National Working Committee (NWC), including the National Secretary, Dr Olu Agunloye.
