In a dramatic escalation of internal strife, the Social Democratic Party (SDP) is grappling with a profound leadership crisis that has pitted a unified bloc of 37 state chairmen against its ousted former National Chairman, Alhaji Shehu Gabam. The chairmen, operating under the banner of the Forum of SDP State Chairmen, have unequivocally endorsed Gabam's expulsion, leveling grave accusations of financial misconduct, abuse of office, and a blatant betrayal of the party's foundational trust. This development, announced during a high-stakes press conference at the SDP's national secretariat in Abuja on Wednesday, underscores a deepening fracture within one of Nigeria's prominent opposition parties, threatening its cohesion ahead of future electoral battles.
The allegations against Gabam are nothing short of explosive. The state chairmen claim that during his tenure, he systematically mismanaged and diverted nearly ₦1 billion in party funds, a figure that has sent shockwaves through the SDP's rank and file. They assert that a staggering 75 percent of these embezzled resources rightfully belong to the state chapters, as explicitly outlined in the party's constitution. In a resolute tone, the forum's spokesperson declared their intent to escalate the matter to Nigeria's premier anti-corruption bodies. "This matter must be taken to all relevant investigative authorities, such as the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Nigeria Police Force, for further investigation and recovery of the funds embezzled by the former National Chairman," the spokesperson stated emphatically. "We need our money back and will not hesitate to pursue legal action to ensure justice is served."
Painting a vivid picture of Gabam's leadership style, the chairmen accused him of transforming the SDP into a personal "business empire." They detailed an elaborate scheme involving a web of proxy accounts through which funds were siphoned off, far exceeding any legitimate entitlements tied to his position. His era, they lamented, was characterized by "extortion, intimidation, and an unbridled cash-centric exploitation of the office of the National Chairman." The forum portrayed Gabam's removal not merely as a punitive measure but as a vital "corrective surgery" essential for restoring sanity and ethical governance to the party. "Gabam’s actions have done irreparable damage to the image and values of our party," they proclaimed. "We will not allow such an unworthy character to continue dragging the SDP through the mud."
This collective stance from the state chairmen represents a formidable show of solidarity, amplifying the National Working Committee's (NWC) earlier decision to expel Gabam alongside the former National Youth Leader, Ogbonna Uchechukwu. The expulsions were formalized following the adoption of a comprehensive White Paper, which encapsulated the damning findings of a Disciplinary Committee chaired by the esteemed retired Air Vice Marshal Abubakar Sadiq Liman. The chairmen were quick to emphasize the evidentiary basis of their position, distancing it from mere speculation. "We are not speaking based on rumours but on facts and evidence presented to the Disciplinary Committee, on which we were duly represented," they affirmed, lending credibility to the process and insulating it from claims of bias or impropriety.
Adding official weight to the expulsions, the SDP's National Publicity Secretary, Rufus Aiyenigba, had previously issued a statement confirming the NWC's actions. He framed the move as an indispensable step toward rejuvenating the party. "This is a necessary measure to restore integrity, discipline, and order within the SDP," Aiyenigba declared, signaling the leadership's commitment to purging elements perceived as corrosive to the organization's health.
Yet, the saga is far from resolved, as Gabam has mounted a vigorous counteroffensive, rejecting his ouster with unyielding defiance. In a statement disseminated through his Special Assistant (Legal), Abubakar Baba, the embattled former chairman branded the expulsion "illegal and inconsequential." He insisted on his unbroken legitimacy, portraying the NWC's proceedings as the machinations of fraudsters. "I remain the national chairman of the SDP," Gabam asserted. "Any meeting or decision taken without my authority is unconstitutional and void." This retort introduces a layer of legal and procedural contention, potentially setting the stage for protracted court battles that could further paralyze the party.
The roots of this crisis trace back to longstanding tensions within the SDP, a party that has positioned itself as a viable alternative in Nigeria's multipolar political landscape. Formed in 2018 through mergers of various factions, the SDP has historically championed social democracy principles, advocating for equitable resource distribution and anti-corruption reforms. However, internal power struggles have periodically undermined its unity, with financial opacity often at the heart of disputes. Gabam's tenure, which began amid high hopes for revitalization, now stands accused of exemplifying the very graft the party vows to combat. The alleged diversion of nearly ₦1 billion—not an insignificant sum in a nation where political funding is scrutinized—raises broader questions about accountability in opposition parties, which often critique the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) for similar failings.
The state chairmen's demand for EFCC and police intervention is particularly noteworthy. Nigeria's EFCC, established in 2003, has a mandate to tackle economic crimes, including embezzlement in public and private sectors. If pursued, an investigation could unearth detailed financial trails, potentially involving bank records, audit reports, and witness testimonies from party officials. The claim that 75 percent of funds belong to states aligns with federalism principles in party structures, where grassroots chapters fund national operations but retain substantial autonomy. Recovering these monies, the chairmen argue, is not just about restitution but about empowering state-level activities crucial for voter mobilization and policy implementation.
Moreover, the involvement of a retired military figure like Air Vice Marshal Liman in the Disciplinary Committee adds a dimension of impartiality, given his background in disciplined service. The White Paper's adoption by the NWC suggests a thorough vetting process, possibly including forensic accounting and cross-examinations. Critics of Gabam point to patterns of behavior: proxy accounts, they allege, were used to obscure transactions, evading internal audits and external oversight. Such tactics, if proven, mirror scandals in other Nigerian parties, eroding public trust in the democratic process.
Gabam's defense, centered on constitutional violations, hinges on procedural lapses. He argues that no valid meeting occurred without his presiding authority, invoking the SDP's constitution which likely vests significant powers in the national chairman. This could lead to injunctions or nullifications in court, prolonging the impasse. Supporters of Gabam might view the expulsion as a coup orchestrated by rival factions, perhaps eyeing control ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The broader implications for the SDP are stark. As Nigeria contends with economic hardships, insecurity, and governance challenges, opposition parties like the SDP play a pivotal role in holding the government accountable. Internal discord risks diminishing its electoral prospects, scattering loyalists, and deterring donors. The state chairmen's unity, spanning 37 out of 36 states plus the Federal Capital Territory, demonstrates widespread discontent, potentially heralding a leadership renewal focused on transparency.
In the coming weeks, all eyes will be on the EFCC and police responses, as well as any legal filings. The SDP's ability to emerge stronger from this "corrective surgery" will depend on swift resolution and genuine reforms. For now, the party stands at a crossroads, its future hinging on whether justice prevails over personal ambitions. This episode serves as a cautionary tale for Nigerian politics: even advocates of change must practice what they preach, lest they fall victim to the same vices they decry.
