The Forum of State Chairmen of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) in the North-East has raised concerns over the exclusion of the region from the Federal Government’s Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones (SAPZ) initiative. The party officials, speaking at the end of their zonal meeting in Gombe, described the omission as “deliberate and unjust.”
The communique, read by the SDP Chairman in Gombe State, Malam Adamu Modibbo, on Friday, outlined the party’s strong disapproval of the decision, noting that it is particularly concerning for a region with vast agricultural resources and one of the largest land masses in the country.
The SAPZ initiative, launched by the Federal Government to develop agricultural processing zones across Nigeria, aims to harness the nation’s agricultural potential and boost economic growth. The initiative seeks to promote agro-industrial activities by establishing specialized zones for the processing of agricultural products. However, the North-East, which has a significant agricultural base, was excluded from this critical development initiative, leading to widespread dissatisfaction among stakeholders in the region.
During the meeting, Malam Modibbo expressed the region’s frustration, stressing that it is unacceptable for the North-East to be left out of a project that could greatly benefit its agricultural economy. He called on President Bola Tinubu and the Federal Government to urgently reconsider the decision and ensure that the North-East is included in the implementation of the SAPZ initiative.
The chairman highlighted the region’s agricultural potential, stating, “It is unacceptable that a region with vast agricultural resources and one of the largest land masses in the country is ignored in such a critical development initiative. We urge the Federal Government to correct this injustice and ensure that the North-East is part of the SAPZ initiative.”
Modibbo further pointed out that the exclusion of the North-East from the SAPZ project was detrimental not only to the region but also to the country’s overall agricultural development. The North-East, known for its large-scale production of crops such as maize, millet, and sorghum, has the potential to contribute significantly to Nigeria’s agro-industrial sector. Without access to these processing zones, farmers and agricultural entrepreneurs in the region could face challenges in adding value to their produce, thus limiting the potential for economic growth and job creation.
In addition to addressing the exclusion from the SAPZ initiative, the meeting also served as an opportunity for the party to discuss internal matters and prepare for future elections. The forum passed a vote of confidence on the national leadership of the SDP, under the stewardship of Shehu Gabam, commending his leadership style for being patriotic, inclusive, and focused on repositioning the party.
Malam Modibbo praised Gabam for his efforts to ensure the party remains committed to its values of ideology, integrity, and national development. He emphasized the importance of these values in strengthening the SDP and building public trust ahead of the 2027 general elections.
“The SDP is a people-centered party driven by ideology, integrity, and a clear vision for national development,” Modibbo stated. He encouraged Nigerians to support the party, highlighting its commitment to addressing the nation’s problems through responsible governance and adherence to the rule of law.
The meeting also focused on enhancing unity within the party and strategically preparing for the upcoming 2027 general elections. The forum noted that the party has seen a growing number of defectors and new members joining, especially in the North-East, which is a clear indication of the rising public trust in the party’s leadership and vision for the country’s future.
“The increasing number of defectors joining the SDP across the North-East is a testament to the people’s faith in the party’s vision for Nigeria,” Modibbo said. He stressed that the party would work hard to foster unity and ensure a successful electoral campaign in 2027.
The North-East zone, comprising six states — Adamawa, Bauchi, Borno, Gombe, Taraba, and Yobe — has always been a key region in Nigerian politics, and the SDP is determined to increase its influence in this area in the coming elections. The party chairmen from Bauchi, Adamawa, Gombe, and Yobe were in attendance at the meeting, with the shared goal of strengthening the party’s foothold in the region and preparing for future electoral victories.
The exclusion of the North-East from the SAPZ initiative has further highlighted the need for equitable development across all regions of Nigeria. The region, which has long faced challenges such as poverty, insecurity, and underdevelopment, has the potential to become a major player in the country’s agricultural and industrial sectors. However, this potential can only be fully realized if the Federal Government commits to ensuring that all regions have access to development programs that address their unique needs.
