A former Military President, General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida (IBB), on Wednesday received the National Executive Committee of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) at his Hilltop residence in Minna, Niger State, as part of activities marking his 84th birthday.
The delegation was led by the Acting National Chairman of the party. Sadiq Gombe, accompanied by former Senator Ugochukwu Uba, the National Vice Chairman (South East); former Kogi State governorship candidate, Murtala Ajaka; the National Secretary, Olu Aguluye; National Publicity Secretary, Rufus Ayenegba; National Women Leader, Sa’adatu Abdullahi; Air Vice Marshal Abubakar Sadick Liman (rtd.), National Vice Chairman (North Central), among other dignitaries.
Gombe described Babangida as “a father of the nation and the founder of the Social Democratic Party,” adding that the visit was to both felicitate with him and draw from his wealth of wisdom at a time Nigeria is facing deep economic and political challenges.
“We are here to congratulate him on his 84th birthday and also to tap from his wall of experience so that together, we can find a rescue mission for this country,” Gombe said. “His words were encouraging as he recalled the good days of the SDP and expressed happiness that its ideals are still alive.”
General Babangida, in his remarks, expressed delight that the SDP remains active, stressing that “there is no time Nigerians need the SDP more than now.”
He reiterated his commitment to supporting the party’s mission of promoting social justice, fairness, and equity, which he described as the core principles of its foundation.
Also speaking, the SDP National Secretary, Olu Aguluye, emphasized Babangida’s recognition of the party as one with the right structure and values to reposition Nigeria.
“General Babangida himself acknowledged that Nigeria needs a party like ours — a party that stands for justice, equity, and organization, one that distinguishes itself from the culture of corruption. He blessed our efforts and assured us of his support in the race to rescue the country,” Aguluye noted.
The visit was rounded off with the presentation of a birthday card to General Babangida by the SDP leadership.
