INEC Affirms Shehu Musa Gabam-Led NWC As Authentic Leadership Of SDP, Lists National Executives

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has officially recognized the Alhaji Shehu Musa Gabam-led National Working Committee (NWC) as the legitimate leadership of the Social Democratic Party (SDP). The confirmation follows a request from the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command, which sought the names of the party’s authentic officials amid a prolonged leadership crisis.

The correspondence, signed by INEC Secretary Rose Oriaran-Anthony, was addressed to the Commissioner of Police, FCT Command, Abuja, under the subject: “RE: Request for Names of the National Executives of the Social Democratic Party (SDP).” The letter attached a comprehensive list of officers elected at the SDP national convention held at the International Conference Centre, Abuja, on 8th June 2022.

The INEC-affirmed national executives include:

• Alhaji Shehu Musa Gabam – National Chairman
• Dr Olu Agunloye – National Secretary
• Amb. Rufus B. Aiyenigba – National Publicity Secretary
• Hon. Ogbonna Uchechukwu – National Speaker, Youth Parliament
• Barr. Joseph Abu – National Organizing Secretary
• Hajiya Sa’adatu Abdullahi – National Speaker, Women
• Hajiya Maggie M. Batubo – National Treasurer
• Dr Aderemi Abimbo – National Legal Adviser
• Chief Lekan Alabi – National Leader, PWD
• Nze Clarkson Nnadi – National Auditor
• Senator Mohammed Alkali – National Vice Chairman, North-West
• Fredrick E. Owotorufe – National Vice Chairman, South-South
• Sir Chief Arinze Ekelem – National Vice Chairman, South-East
• Hon. Abdullahi M. Kani – National Vice Chairman, North-Central
• Chief Silas Alani Itvedp – National Vice Chairman, South-West
• Obinna Bright Ekwebelem – South-East Zonal Secretary
• Bassagi Gimba – North-Central Zonal Secretary

The correspondence reaffirmed Gabam as National Chairman and Dr Agunloye as National Secretary.

The declaration comes after factions within the SDP attempted to replace Gabam and Dr Agunloye. One faction suspended Gabam and two others over alleged misconduct, appointing Dr Sadiq Abubakar Gombe as Acting National Chairman. Another faction, reportedly loyal to former Kaduna State Governor Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, dissolved the Gabam-led NWC and named Comrade Abubakar Modibbo as Acting National Chairman.

The SDP disowned El-Rufai, asserting that he had been banned from the party for over 30 years and had no legitimate role in its affairs. The leadership tussle prompted the FCT Police Command to seek clarification from INEC to restore order.

Reacting to INEC’s affirmation, Alhaji Gabam commended the police for consulting the electoral body rather than acting on “falsehood from desperate politicians seeking to destroy the party for selfish interests.” He warned individuals claiming NWC positions outside the INEC-authenticated list to desist, noting that security agencies would arrest and prosecute anyone impersonating party executives.