Breaking: SDP suspends national chairman Gabam, two other NWC members
The Social Democratic Party (SDP) has been rocked by a major leadership shake-up as its National Working Committee (NWC) announced the immediate suspension of National Chairman, Shehu Gabam, alongside two other top party officials over allegations of large-scale financial misconduct.
Also suspended are Nnadi Clarkson, the National Auditor, and Chukwuma Uchechukwu, the National Youth Leader, following what party officials described as “overwhelming evidence” of embezzlement, misappropriation, and diversion of party funds.
The development was made public in a statement by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Araba Rufus Aiyenigba, who explained that the decision was reached after damning evidence emerged linking the suspended officials to unauthorized financial transactions and personal enrichment schemes.
According to Aiyenigba, the scandal came to light when it was discovered that the National Chairman had submitted an unauthorized financial statement to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), as required from all political parties. Shockingly, a summary of the alleged fraudulent account was also published in national newspapers, raising public alarm.
“The NWC resolved to report these fraudulent activities to law enforcement agencies,” the statement read. “This decisive action demonstrates that the SDP, respected by Nigerians as a disciplined and credible alternative political platform, has zero tolerance for corruption and abuse of office.”
An interim investigative panel has been set up to audit the party’s financial records and recommend further disciplinary or legal actions.
Pending the conclusion of the investigation, Deputy National Chairman (North), Dr. Sadiq Umar Abubakar, has assumed leadership of the party as Acting National Chairman, in line with the party’s constitution.
Aiyenigba revealed that the allegedly misappropriated funds run into hundreds of millions of naira, including donations and proceeds from the sale of nomination forms during the 2023 general elections, as well as other party funds.
The suspension of Gabam, Clarkson, and Chukwuma has been formally communicated to INEC and other relevant agencies, the statement confirmed.
The party insists the move is necessary to protect its integrity and reassure Nigerians of its commitment to transparency and accountability.
