The internal crisis rocking the Social Democratic Party has deepened following a dramatic takeover of the party’s national secretariat in Abuja and fresh allegations of political interference ahead of its planned national convention in Bauchi.
The party leadership, led by National Chairman Sadiq Gombe, on Thursday insisted that the convention would proceed as scheduled despite what it described as coordinated attempts to destabilise the party through security intimidation and external manipulation.
Gombe said the party’s disciplinary actions against former National Chairman Shehu Gabam and the former national financial secretary were carried out strictly in line with Article 123 of the party constitution after investigations into allegations of misconduct, financial infractions and constitutional violations.
According to him, a committee established by the National Working Committee (NWC) invited all affected officials to defend themselves, but some failed to appear before the panel. He said the committee subsequently recommended their expulsion, which was later ratified by the National Executive Committee (NEC).
The SDP leadership maintained that its NEC meeting held on March 9, 2026, was formally communicated to the Independent National Electoral Commission and monitored by INEC officials.
Gombe stated that all resolutions reached at the meeting, including leadership confirmations and disciplinary measures, were validly adopted and properly documented.
He added that the party had secured certified true copies of the proceedings as evidence of transparency and constitutional compliance.
The crisis escalated after party officials alleged that armed police operatives stormed the SDP national secretariat in Abuja, ordered staff members out of the premises and sealed the building under the pretext of maintaining public order.
Gombe described the operation as suspicious, alleging that shortly after the evacuation, individuals linked to a rival faction were escorted into the secretariat under heavy police protection.
He claimed the development amounted to a forceful disruption of the party’s administration at a critical period leading to the convention.
The party further accused INEC and elements within the ruling political establishment of meddling in its internal affairs, warning that such actions threaten democratic norms and the constitutional independence of political parties.
National Secretary Olu Agunloye also faulted what he termed unusual regulatory engagement by INEC, insisting there was no unresolved internal dispute requiring intervention.
According to him, the only pending legal matter involving the party is already before the Supreme Court and does not affect the leadership structure or the planned convention.
Despite the growing tension, the SDP leadership reaffirmed that its national convention would hold in Bauchi as planned after securing an alternative venue following alleged obstruction at earlier locations.
Gombe said preparations were already at an advanced stage, with delegates mobilising from across the country.
He described the convention as a defining moment for the party ahead of the 2027 general elections and urged members to remain calm and united.
Meanwhile, Gabam announced that his faction would hold a separate convention in Abuja on May 17, setting the stage for a deeper leadership battle within the party.
SDP turmoil worsens amid secretariat takeover, rival conventions, interference allegations
