National Chairman of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Alhaji Shehu Musa Gabam, has dismissed reports of a leadership crisis in the party, describing the purported suspension of his leadership and the appointment of an acting chairman as illegal and a distraction.
This came as the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) queried the party over a letter introducing Dr. Sadiq Abubakar Gombe as acting national chairman.
In a memo dated July 3, 2025, signed by its Secretary, Rose Oriaran-Anthony, INEC said the letter, dated June 25, 2025, was not in compliance with the Regulations and Guidelines for Political Parties (2022) and bore a signature inconsistent with its records.
The commission asked Gabam to confirm the authenticity of the letter.
The crisis in SDP intensified when the NWC suspended Gabam and two other top officials, Nze Nnadi Clarkson, National Auditor, and Uchechukwu Chukwuma, National Youth Leader, over allegations of gross financial misconduct, embezzlement, and diversion of party funds totaling over N1 billion.
According to a statement issued earlier by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Araba Rufus Aiyenigba, the suspensions followed an internal investigation that uncovered unauthorized financial transactions and abuse of office.
Reacting through a statement by his media aide, Alhaji Lawal Ibrahim, in Abuja on Sunday, Gabam assured party members and the public that the SDP remained united, focused, and committed to offering Nigerians a credible alternative.
Gabam accused a small faction led by Dr. Olu Agunloye of spreading misinformation and attempting to destabilize the party through illegal moves, including plans to convene a parallel National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting and remove state chairmen without constitutional backing.
He stressed that INEC recognizes him as the substantive national chairman, adding that any NEC meeting not convened or presided over by him is unconstitutional, null and void.
According to the statement, “The attention of the National Leadership of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) has been drawn to recent disturbing and misleading actions propagated by a small group of individuals whose sole aim appears to be the destabilization of our great party.
“Chief among them is Dr. Olu Agunloye, who has consistently waged a campaign of misinformation, misrepresentation, and outright defiance of the constitution and founding ideals of the SDP.
“Let it be stated clearly and for the record: the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the only constitutionally empowered body to regulate political parties in Nigeria, recognizes Alhaji Shehu Musa Gabam as the authentic and substantive National Chairman of the Social Democratic Party.
“This official recognition puts to rest any attempt to mislead the public or manufacture confusion by individuals acting outside the bounds of the law and the party constitution.
“Contrary to efforts by Agunloye and a few disgruntled elements to portray a divided house, the SDP remains united, focused, and strong under the legitimate leadership of Gabam.
“The Party has achieved significant milestones, including revitalizing its grassroots structures, increasing its visibility nationwide, and fostering a message of social justice and integrity.
“These gains have been made possible by the tireless commitment of patriotic members who remain devoted to the SDP’s mission.”
Gabam also cleared the air regarding the issue of coalition, saying, “Let it be made abundantly clear that the SDP is an independent political party.”
He added, “The issue of any supposed coalition is a matter of the past, and the SDP is not part of any such coalition arrangement.”
Gabam urged the teeming members and supporters of the party across the country to remain calm, vigilant, and steadfast.
He said, “Do not be distracted by the noise and theatrics of a few who seek to derail our progress. This momentary turbulence shall pass. We remain committed to our democratic ideals, our vision for national transformation, and our role as a credible political alternative in Nigeria.”
