The National Chairman of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Alhaji Shehu Gabam, has refuted reports of his suspension, describing the claims as politically motivated misinformation orchestrated by an external coalition intent on seizing control of the party’s structure.
On Tuesday, a faction of the party announced the suspension of Gabam alongside two other members of the National Executive Committee (NEC) over allegations of financial mismanagement. The announcement was made by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Rufus Ayegbeni.
However, addressing journalists at the party’s national secretariat in Abuja, Gabam dismissed the announcement as “fake news” and a product of what he described as political mischief.
“I remain the national chairman of the SDP as you can see,” he said, flanked by several members of the National Working Committee (NWC).
“This coalition and some people in it believe they can either take over the SDP or create confusion around it. They’ve now exposed themselves.”
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Gabam alleged that no official NWC meeting was convened to discuss or decide on his suspension and questioned the legitimacy of the statement announcing it.
He recalled a previous attempt by the party’s National Secretary, Dr Olu Agunloye, to convene a meeting via a private law firm a move he said the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) rejected due to procedural violations.
“INEC letters clearly state that communication must be jointly signed by the national chairman and national secretary. My signature is not just symbolic — it is constitutional,” he added.
On allegations of financial misappropriation, Gabam maintained his innocence and challenged his accusers to present proof. He revealed that full financial records, including bank statements, would be submitted to the relevant security agencies for scrutiny.
“All NWC members have received funds. Nothing is hidden. I’m prepared to account for every kobo spent during my tenure. Others should be ready to do the same,” he said.
He alleged that the current crisis was part of a broader scheme by a newly formed political coalition that includes some disgruntled SDP officials, aimed at destabilising the party ahead of the 2027 elections.
“This is not just a personal attack. It’s an attack on democracy and the political system. They want to use state institutions to break opposition parties. I urge President Bola Tinubu to intervene and prevent misuse of security agencies,” Gabam warned.
Meanwhile, Rufus Aiyenigba, in the statement announcing the suspension, said the action was necessary to allow for a proper investigation into the alleged misconduct.
He added that the party’s Deputy National Chairman, Dr Sadiq Umar Abubakar, has been asked to assume leadership in the interim.
The unfolding drama within the SDP signals deep internal divisions, with broader implications for the 2027 political landscape, as opposition coalitions continue to form in response to the current administration,
