The Social Democratic Party (SDP) has formally notified the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of the suspension of its National Chairman, Alhaji Shehu Musa Gabam, over allegations of conspiracy, fraud, and the misappropriation of party funds.
In a letter dated June 25 and addressed to INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, the party also announced the suspension of two other top officials — Mr. Clarkson Nnadi, the National Auditor, and Mr. Ogbonna Uchechukwu, the National Youth Leader.
The SDP said the suspensions followed a resolution passed during a National Working Committee (NWC) meeting held on Tuesday, June 24, in Abuja.
The meeting, according to the party, had been duly convened and INEC was officially invited to observe proceedings.
THE WHISTLER reports that the party leadership accused the suspended officials of gross misconduct involving the unauthorized withdrawal and diversion of party funds running into hundreds of millions of naira.
These financial dealings were reportedly carried out without NWC approval, due process, or requisite documentation in accordance with the party’s constitution.
In the letter signed by SDP National Secretary, Dr. Olu Agunloye, the NWC stated:
“The NWC considered the submissions and resolutions before it and subsequently approved the suspension in accordance with the powers vested in the NWC by the 2012 Constitution of the party as amended.”
Dr. Agunloye emphasized that the suspensions were essential to protect the integrity of the party and ensure internal accountability.
“This action is necessary and in the best interests of the party. The suspended members shall remain barred from all party activities pending the conclusion of internal disciplinary proceedings and any criminal investigations,” he said.
Addressing the issue on Arise Television, SDP National Publicity Secretary, Mr. Rufus Aiyenigba, described the move as part of a broader effort to reposition the party and restore its founding ideals of transparency and integrity.
“We got credible information about unauthorised transactions, including party funds being paid into private accounts,” Aiyenigba disclosed.
“The findings were mind-boggling as hundreds of millions were transferred without NWC’s approval. This is not a personal attack; it’s about sanitising the system.”
According to him, the crucial meeting was held as scheduled and attended by 11 out of the 15 NWC members. He said a resolution on the suspensions had already been passed before the meeting was violently disrupted.
“The suspended members arrived later with hoodlums who pulled down the party gate. Journalists were assaulted and cameras smashed,” he alleged.
“But let me be clear: the resolution was passed before the chaos erupted.”
The party’s letter to INEC formally requested recognition of the suspensions and urged the commission to take note of the new developments.
Alhaji Shehu Musa Gabam and the two suspended officials have not publicly responded to the allegations and could not be reached for comments as of the time of this report.
