The National Chairman of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Alhaji Shehu Musa Gabam, has come out swinging against what he calls a desperate attempt to hijack the party, insisting that there is no leadership crisis despite internal moves to oust him.
Gabam’s response comes on the heels of a controversial letter sent to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), notifying the commission of the appointment of Dr. Sadiq Abubakar Gombe as the party’s acting chairman. INEC, however, has rejected the letter, describing it as non-compliant with its 2022 guidelines and bearing signatures inconsistent with SDP records. The commission has now written to Gabam to verify the letter’s authenticity.
Meanwhile, tensions within the party escalated after Gabam, along with National Auditor Nze Nnadi Clarkson and National Youth Leader Uchechukwu Chukwuma, was reportedly suspended by a faction of the National Working Committee (NWC). They were accused of gross financial misconduct and mismanaging party funds amounting to over ₦1 billion.
But Gabam has rubbished the claims, calling them baseless and politically motivated. In a strongly worded statement issued through his media aide, Alhaji Lawal Ibrahim, Gabam assured party faithful that the SDP remains solid, focused, and committed to its core values.
He blamed the turmoil on a “small faction” allegedly led by former minister Dr. Olu Agunloye, whom he accused of spreading lies, manipulating processes, and attempting to unconstitutionally hijack the party’s leadership.
“Let it be clear,” the statement said, “INEC, the only body legally empowered to recognize political party leadership in Nigeria, affirms Alhaji Shehu Musa Gabam as the legitimate and substantive National Chairman of the SDP.”
He warned that any National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting not convened by him is invalid, and declared that attempts to sack state party chairmen or stage a parallel convention are null and void.
Despite the noise, Gabam insisted the party has made giant strides, particularly at the grassroots, and continues to push a bold agenda for social justice and national development.
Addressing speculations of alliance talks, he stated categorically:
“The SDP is not in any coalition. We are an independent political force committed to offering Nigerians a credible alternative.”
He urged members to remain calm and resolute, saying the party would weather the storm.
“This turbulence will pass. The SDP is strong, united, and ready to play its role in reshaping Nigeria’s political future.”