Awka, Nigeria – May 23, 2025 – The appointment of Senator (Dr.) Ugochukwu Uba as the Deputy National Chairman (South) of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) has not only strengthened the party’s internal structure but also triggered a wave of misinformation from certain quarters, particularly within his home state of Anambra. However, a deeper look into Senator Uba’s longstanding and verifiable record of party service has exposed the falsehoods surrounding these claims and reaffirmed his unwavering commitment to the Social Democratic Party.
The National Working Committee (NWC) of the SDP met on Thursday, May 15, 2025, at the party’s national secretariat in Abuja. Presided over by the National Chairman, Alhaji Shehu Musa Gabam, the meeting had near-full attendance and resulted in the official appointment of Senator Uba as Deputy National Chairman (South). The decision was made in line with the party’s constitution and pursuant to the powers granted by the National Convention to fill vacant national leadership positions.
Shortly after the NWC meeting, the National Publicity Secretary of the party, Mr. Araba Rufus Aiyenigba, issued a formal statement announcing Senator Uba’s appointment, effective immediately. Yet, within days of the announcement, a smear campaign began to circulate on social media and within Anambra political circles, falsely alleging that Senator Uba was not a registered member of the SDP.
These claims, now widely dismissed by party insiders and stakeholders, are not only baseless but contradict a clear and well-documented record of Senator Uba’s active and strategic roles in the SDP over the past several years.
A Pillar of Party Development
Senator Ugochukwu Uba, a distinguished academic, public servant, and statesman, has been deeply involved in the growth and strategic direction of the Social Democratic Party. He was the Secretary of the National Election Committee in April 2022, a member of the National Convention Organizing Committee in June 2022, and Chairman of the National Presidential Technical Committee in August 2022. Later that year, in November, he served as Deputy Chairman of the SDP National Presidential Council.
During the course of these national assignments, Senator Uba not only planned and executed key political engagements but also signed Certificates of Return on behalf of the party—an act reserved exclusively for the most senior and credible officers with unquestioned party membership and authority.
Moreover, between 2022 and 2023, he played a critical role as Director of Finance in the SDP Presidential Campaign Organization, ensuring financial stability and transparency during one of the most pivotal election cycles in the party’s recent history.
It is thus perplexing that any individual or group would now attempt to question his membership or legitimacy within the party—a man who has worked tirelessly in multiple sensitive and high-level roles with the full knowledge and cooperation of the party leadership.
Academic and Political Excellence
Senator Uba’s record in public service predates his active SDP involvement. He served as Director-General and later Honourable Commissioner in Anambra State during the tenure of Governor Chukwuemeka Ezeife. He later represented Anambra South Senatorial District in the National Assembly from 2003 to 2007, where he chaired the Senate Committee on Marine Transport and was instrumental in the passage of the Cabotage Act.
A first-class graduate with a Ph.D. in Political Science, Senator Uba also has a distinguished academic record. He was a Senior Lecturer at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), one of Nigeria’s premier institutions of higher learning, and subsequently served in the same capacity at the University of Abuja until 2021.
Membership Beyond Doubt
At every stage of his political involvement in the SDP, Senator Uba’s membership was never in question. From coordinating national committees to presiding over presidential campaign logistics, he has consistently demonstrated not only loyalty but also capacity and leadership that strengthened the party.
Those questioning his membership today never raised such concerns when he was overseeing internal elections, managing the party’s campaign finances, or signing key documents for candidates. The belated outcry, therefore, appears to be politically motivated rather than grounded in fact.
A New Phase for the SDP
The appointment of Senator Ugochukwu Uba as Deputy National Chairman (South) comes at a critical moment as the SDP begins to reposition for the 2027 general elections. His emergence is widely regarded as a stabilizing factor, particularly in the South and South East, and is expected to foster greater unity, professionalism, and strategy within the party’s southern bloc.
With a proven track record in both governance and party administration, Senator Uba stands as a key asset in the party’s renewed commitment to national inclusion, structural reform, and grassroots development.
As the SDP continues its internal reorganization and leadership consolidation, stakeholders urge party members and supporters to ignore distractions and focus on the task of building a stronger, more united front ahead of the 2027 elections.
