SDP Chairman Gabam Denies Suspension, Alleges Plot to Hijack Party
The National Chairman of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Alhaji Shehu Gabam, has dismissed reports of his suspension as false and politically motivated, declaring that he remains firmly in charge of the party’s leadership.
Speaking during a press conference at the party’s National Secretariat in Abuja on Tuesday, Gabam described the alleged suspension as “fake news” and a product of internal sabotage designed to weaken the SDP ahead of the 2027 general elections.
“I am still the National Chairman of the Social Democratic Party. The rumour of my suspension is baseless and should be completely disregarded,” Gabam stated, flanked by members of the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) who, he insisted, stand with him.
‘A Plot to Cripple the SDP’
The embattled chairman accused unnamed political actors of working with disgruntled elements within the party to destabilise its leadership.
“We’ve seen this before. There are people who believe that if they can’t control the SDP, their next best option is to destroy it. The SDP has become too strong to manipulate, and that’s what they fear,” Gabam alleged.
He revealed that private legal actors, backed by internal dissidents, had attempted to stage a National Working Committee meeting without his knowledge — an action he described as illegal and desperate.
According to him, a formal request for the meeting was submitted to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), but the commission rejected it, citing a lack of proper authorisation.
“INEC made it clear: no meeting, no decision is valid without the National Chairman’s approval. That alone exposes the illegitimacy of this so-called suspension,” Gabam declared.
Calls for President Tinubu to Intervene
Gabam also raised concerns about the alleged misuse of security agencies for political intimidation, warning that such tactics are dangerous for Nigeria’s democracy.
“We are entering dangerous territory when political dissent is met with harassment by state institutions. This goes beyond me or the SDP—it threatens the very fabric of our democracy,” he warned.
Gabam urged President Bola Tinubu to call security agencies to order, stressing that political competition must not be reduced to witch-hunts and strong-arm tactics.
Denies Financial Mismanagement Allegations
Responding to allegations of financial misconduct, Gabam challenged his accusers to present concrete evidence, maintaining that all financial dealings under his leadership are transparent and well-documented.
“Our bank records are available for scrutiny. Every member of the NWC who received funds is clearly listed. Even those making these accusations know this,” he asserted.
He also took a swipe at one of his chief critics, a former SDP chairman, suggesting they should focus on accounting for their own tenure rather than “spreading falsehoods.”
“I stand by every decision I’ve made as chairman. If anyone has questions, I am ready to answer them—any time, any day,” Gabam declared.
As the internal crisis deepens, political observers say the coming weeks will be crucial in determining whether the SDP can weather the storm or fall victim to the same internal power struggles that have crippled other opposition parties.
