The Social Democratic Party (SDP) has suspended its National Chairman, Shehu Gabam, over allegations of financial mismanagement and diversion of party funds.
The development marks a significant shake-up within the party’s national leadership, just months after the 2023 general elections.
In a statement issued on Tuesday by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Araba Aiyenigba, the SDP also announced the suspension of National Auditor Nnadi Clarkson and National Youth Leader Chukwuma Uchechukwu.
All three officials were accused of engaging in unauthorized financial transactions and using party resources for personal gain without the approval of the National Working Committee (NWC).
“These individuals have been linked to a series of financial dealings that violated the trust and internal protocols of the party. Funds running into hundreds of millions of naira, proceeds from nomination form sales and donations, were mismanaged under their watch,” Aiyenigba said.
Of particular concern, the statement noted, was the submission of an “unauthorised and unverified” financial statement to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), which was subsequently published in national newspapers. The party described this act as a serious breach of its internal governance and transparency standards.
“This action reinforces our zero-tolerance stance on corruption. We have alerted law enforcement agencies and will cooperate fully with any investigation,” the statement added.
In accordance with the party’s constitution, the Deputy National Chairman (North), Sadiq Abubakar, has been appointed Acting National Chairman. Aiyenigba stressed that the decision was taken to safeguard the party’s integrity and ensure accountability.
To further address the matter, the SDP has constituted an interim panel to audit all financial records and recommend disciplinary or legal action where necessary. INEC and other relevant government agencies have been formally notified of the suspensions, which take immediate effect.
Party insiders describe the move as both “painful and necessary,” reflecting growing pressure within the SDP to enforce internal discipline and rebuild public trust.
“This is about preserving the vision of the SDP as a credible third force in Nigeria’s political space,” one senior party member said under condition of anonymity. “No one is above accountability.”
