Tensions boiled over at the national headquarters of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) on Tuesday as armed thugs in black stormed the premises, attacking journalists and staff amid an intensifying internal crisis.
The violence came just hours after the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) announced the suspension of its National Chairman, Alhaji Shehu Gabam, alongside National Auditor Nnadi Clarkson and Youth Leader Uchechukwu Chukwuma, over allegations of embezzlement and diversion of party funds totalling nearly ₦1 billion.
While journalists gathered for a scheduled press briefing, the attackers seized cameras and phones, assaulting several reporters before security forces intervened.
According to the party’s spokesperson, Rufus Aiyenigba, the suspensions followed an internal audit revealing unauthorized financial transactions and unapproved fund movements. He said the decision was based on “overwhelming evidence” and a commitment to zero tolerance for corruption.
Insiders say the crisis escalated when Gabam allegedly filed an unauthorized financial report to INEC and leaked details to the media, deepening distrust within the party hierarchy.
SDP chieftain Dr. Olu Agunloye confirmed the party is under internal siege.
“We discovered massive infractions. When you expose someone, they fight back. This is retaliation,” he said.
The party has appointed Dr. Sadiq Umar Abubakar as Acting Chairman and set up an investigative panel to audit finances, especially proceeds from nomination forms ahead of the 2023 elections.
“You can’t let the same person accused of poisoning the food continue cooking,” Agunloye added, metaphorically.
While INEC and anti-graft agencies have been notified, Agunloye stressed the party can only discipline, not prosecute — that task, he said, rests with the police and EFCC.
The SDP says it won’t shield anyone found guilty and is determined to restore public trust by purging its ranks — even if it means tearing itself apart in the process.