National Chairman of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Shehu Musa Gabam, has dismissed allegations of a leadership crisis within the party, insisting that reports of his suspension and the appointment of an acting national chairman are both illegal and politically motivated.
His position comes on the heels of a correspondence from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), which formally queried the party regarding a controversial letter introducing Dr Sadiq Gombe as acting chairman.
In a memo dated 3rd July 2025, signed by INEC Secretary Rose Oriaran-Anthony, the commission flagged the letter, dated 25th June 2025, noting that it failed to comply with the Regulations and Guidelines for Political Parties (2022). INEC further observed that the document bore a signature inconsistent with party records and requested official clarification from Gabam on its authenticity.
The internal conflict within the SDP escalated after the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) announced the suspension of Gabam alongside two other national officers Nnadi Clarkson, the National Auditor, and Uchechukwu Chukwuma, the National Youth Leader over alleged financial misconduct amounting to ₦1 billion.
According to a statement previously issued by SDP National Publicity Secretary, Araba Aiyenigba, the decision followed findings from an internal probe that allegedly uncovered unauthorised financial transactions and abuse of office by the affected individuals.
However, reacting through a statement issued in Abuja by his media aide, Lawal Ibrahim, Gabam rejected the allegations and described the move as a failed attempt by a faction within the party to derail its progress.
“The SDP remains united, focused, and committed to offering Nigerians a credible political alternative,” the statement read.
Gabam pointed fingers at a faction led by Dr Olu Agunloye, accusing them of orchestrating “illegal moves” aimed at destabilising the party’s structure. He alleged that the group was planning to convene a parallel National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting and had attempted to remove state chairmen in clear violation of the party’s constitution.
He insisted that any NEC gathering not convened or presided over by him lacked legitimacy, declaring such efforts “unconstitutional, null and void.”
Gabam also addressed the party’s stance on alliances, saying: “Let it be made abundantly clear that the SDP is an independent political party. The issue of any supposed coalition is a matter of the past, and the SDP is not part of any such coalition arrangement.”
He appealed to SDP members and supporters across the country to remain calm, vigilant, and resolute in the face of these distractions.
“No amount of misinformation or manipulation can take away the mandate freely given to me by the party’s national convention. We are moving forward,” he added.
