The National Chairman of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Sadiq Abubakar Gombe, has defended the expulsion of former party leader Shehu Musa Gabam, insisting that the decision was based on allegations of corruption and financial misconduct and remains valid and binding.
Gombe spoke with journalists after a meeting with the Independent National Electoral Commission in Abuja, where the party leadership engaged the electoral body over the lingering internal crisis rocking the SDP.
He disclosed that the engagement followed INEC’s invitation for an alternative dispute resolution session but maintained that the party’s decision to expel Gabam was firmly rooted in the SDP constitution and disciplinary procedures.
According to him, the SDP National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting held on March 9, 2026, at Newton Park Hotel and Resort ratified Gabam’s expulsion over allegations bordering on corruption, financial mismanagement, and violations of the party constitution.
Gombe stated that the resolutions reached at the NEC meeting were formally communicated to INEC and monitored by the commission, stressing that the decisions were properly certified and remain the highest authority within the party structure.
He explained that Gabam and other affected officials were invited to appear before the party’s disciplinary committee to defend themselves against the allegations but that the committee proceeded based on what he described as established findings of misconduct.
The SDP chairman further argued that under the party’s constitution, aggrieved members are required to exhaust all internal dispute resolution channels within five working days before seeking external intervention, a process he claimed was ignored by those challenging the expulsion.
Gombe also revealed that the SDP had successfully concluded its national convention and presidential primaries, which he described as transparent, credible, and widely monitored, with proceedings broadcast live to party members and observers.
He insisted that political parties possess constitutional powers to manage their internal affairs, including issues relating to discipline, leadership, and membership, while emphasizing that INEC’s role remains purely regulatory.
Describing the meeting with INEC as “constructive and frank,” Gombe said although different views were expressed during deliberations, the SDP leadership remains resolute on Gabam’s expulsion.
He reaffirmed that the party remains stable and focused ahead of the 2027 general elections, adding that the internal cleansing was necessary to preserve accountability, discipline, and public confidence in the SDP.
The SDP chairman also cautioned INEC against interfering in the internal affairs of political parties, insisting that the commission’s portal does not confer powers on it to appoint or determine party leadership.
Gombe Defends Gabam Expulsion Over Corruption After INEC Meeting
