SDP State Chairmen Back Gabam’s Suspension, Demand Internal Reforms

The Forum of State Chairmen of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) has thrown its weight behind the suspension of the party’s National Chairman, Shehu Musa Gabam, alongside two other officials.

Naijaonpoint reports that the Chairmen, on Saturday, declared Gabam’s suspension as a long-overdue move to restore accountability and internal democracy.

Speaking at a press briefing in Abuja, the forum dismissed media reports of a leadership crisis, insisting the party remains united.

The forum stated, “We want to clarify to the public that there is no crisis within the party. The SDP is committed to building a strong internal democracy and presenting ourselves as a credible alternative, hence the need to cleanse ourselves from within lest we be guilty of hypocrisy.”

The forum of SDP Chairmen also accused Gabam, who was suspended on Tuesday, of running the party like a personal fiefdom.

The forum further stated, “No state chapter has received any funds from the money raised. Whenever we inquire about our dues, we encounter threats of removal or suspension. Monkey dey work, baboon dey chop.

“We call for an immediate investigation into all allegations in a transparent, honest and fair manner,” they said, offering to nominate a state chairman to serve on the Disciplinary Investigation Panel.”

They also accused him of failing to call a single National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting since he assumed office, describing his ruling as the “autocratic leadership style”.

The forum further stated, “More importantly, this message must go to all and sundry: when money is donated or contributed to the party, it is for the development of the party, not for an individual to appropriate as personal resources.”

The forum urged the current acting leadership of the SDP to swiftly convene an NEC meeting and ensure the investigation proceeds without interference.

They also cautioned the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to respect the party’s autonomy.

They warned, “The public impression that INEC has shown a tendency to dabble into the internal affairs of political parties… should not be extended to the SDP.”

Calling for the party to lead by example, the chairmen added, “We cannot be a party of embezzlement, fraud, forgeries, graft, grand theft and other criminality whilst still laying claim to being the champion of the masses.”