SDP Crisis Deepens as Gabam Rejects Suspension, Alleges Internal Plot
The turbulence engulfing the opposition Social Democratic Party (SDP) has intensified as the party’s suspended National Chairman, Shehu Gabam, refuted his dismissal, describing it as “fake news” that should be disregarded.
Speaking at the party’s National Secretariat on Tuesday, Gabam insisted he remains the legitimate National Chairman. “I maintain my position as the National Chairman of the SDP, as is evident,” he declared.
Gabam accused an emerging coalition within the party and certain national officers of orchestrating the crisis. He claimed no official meeting of the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) took place to authorize his suspension and questioned the legitimacy of the decision.
He revealed that a private legal firm had previously approached the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) with a request signed by the National Secretary, Dr. Olu Agunloye to convene an NWC meeting, but that INEC rejected the move, deeming it invalid without the chairman’s signature.
Gabam alleged that the crisis was being driven by political interests seeking to hijack or destabilize the SDP. “Some among us recognize its origins because this coalition and its members are determined, by any means, to either acquire the SDP or sow discord within it,” he said.
He called on President Bola Tinubu to rein in the misuse of security agencies by politicians, warning that such actions pose a serious threat to democracy. “They are not merely doing a disservice to me. They are undermining the party and the nation,” he warned.
Responding to the allegations of financial misconduct, Gabam said party records would exonerate him and expose the real beneficiaries. “Every individual whose account received funds will be identified. All NWC members are included,” he said.
He also condemned the unauthorized legal communication sent to INEC, stressing that party regulations require correspondence to be jointly signed by both the chairman and the secretary. “My signature holds authoritative weight,” Gabam emphasized.
Earlier on Tuesday, the SDP’s NWC announced Gabam’s suspension over allegations of gross financial misconduct, embezzlement, and diversion of party funds. Also suspended were National Auditor Nnadi Clarkson and National Youth Leader Uchechukwu Chukwuma.
In a statement signed by National Publicity Secretary Araba Rufus Aiyenigba, the NWC cited evidence linking the officials to unauthorized financial transactions and personal enrichment. The statement said the action was taken under the party’s constitution to uphold integrity and zero tolerance for corruption.
An interim investigative panel has been set up to audit the party’s financial records, and Dr. Sadiq Umar Abubakar, the Deputy National Chairman, has been appointed to lead the party during the investigation.
The suspension has been communicated to INEC and relevant anti-corruption and security agencies. The public has also been advised to take note of the ongoing internal developments.
