SDP suspends national chairman, gives reason

The Social Democratic Party (SDP) has announced the immediate suspension of its National Chairman, Shehu Gabam, over alleged financial misconduct and misappropriation of party funds running into hundreds of millions of naira.

Also suspended are the party’s National Auditor, Nnadi Clarkson, and National Youth Leader, Chukwuma Uchechukwu, for their alleged roles in what the party describes as “unauthorised financial transactions and diversion of funds for personal enrichment.”

In a statement issued on Tuesday by the National Publicity Secretary, Ambassador Rufus Araba Aiyenigba, the SDP said the decision followed mounting evidence of serious financial irregularities and violation of the party’s internal financial processes.

“The suspended officials were linked to a series of unauthorised financial transactions, personal enrichment schemes, and diversion of funds without the approval of the National Working Committee (NWC),” Aiyenigba stated.

According to the party, Gabam submitted a questionable financial report to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) without NWC endorsement, and went further to publish the summary in national newspapers—a move that triggered internal uproar and external scrutiny.

“This unilateral action prompted us to notify relevant law enforcement agencies. It also reinforces our party’s zero-tolerance policy towards corruption,” the statement read.

To ensure transparency, an interim investigation panel has been set up to audit all financial records, particularly party funds generated from the sale of nomination forms during the 2023 elections and other donations.

Pending the conclusion of the investigation, the SDP has appointed its Deputy National Chairman (North), Sadiq Abubakar, as the Acting National Chairman in accordance with the party’s constitution.

The party also confirmed that it has officially notified INEC and other relevant institutions of the suspensions, which take immediate effect.

The development marks a major shake-up within the SDP as it continues to battle internal instability while positioning itself as a potential third-force platform ahead of the 2027 elections.