State chairmen of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) have called on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the Nigeria Police, and other relevant authorities to launch an investigation into the expelled national chairman, Shehu Gabam, and other former party officials over alleged financial misconduct.
Chairman of the Forum of SDP State Chairmen and Lagos State Chapter Chairman, Femi Olaniyi, made the call while briefing journalists in Abuja on Wednesday.
Olaniyi stated that the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) acted within its mandate in expelling Gabam and other executives, accusing them of betraying the trust of Nigerians and the legacy of founding SDP leaders such as Baba Gana Kingibe and Chief Olu Falae.
He alleged that the expelled officials diverted nearly ₦1 billion belonging to the party, funds that were constitutionally meant to be shared with the state chapters.
“The matter must be taken to all relevant investigative authorities, such as the EFCC and the Nigeria Police, for further investigation and to recover the funds embezzled by the former national chairman,” Olaniyi said.
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He further warned that if the issue is not promptly addressed, the forum of state chairmen would have no choice but to pursue legal action to recover the alleged stolen funds.
“As you all know, 75 per cent of the embezzled funds, nearly a billion naira, belong to the states as stipulated by our constitution. We need our money back and cannot forgo it; otherwise, we may be compelled to take legal action,” he added.
The SDP’s National Working Committee had recently expelled Gabam and several others for alleged financial mismanagement. According to the party’s spokesperson, Rufus Aiyenigba, the previous leadership failed to uphold transparency and accountability over the past three years.
Olaniyi, however, assured that the party remains committed to restoring integrity within its ranks and rebuilding public confidence ahead of future elections.
