The Social Democratic Party (SDP) has announced the suspension of its National Chairman, Alhaji Shehu Musa Gabam, alongside the National Auditor, Nze Nnadi Clarkson, and the National Youth Leader, Uchechukwu Chukwuma, over allegations of massive financial misconduct.
The decision, which emerged from a high-level National Working Committee (NWC) meeting, was made public in a statement signed by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Araba Rufus Aiyenigba.
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According to the statement, the suspended officials are alleged to be involved in a web of unauthorized financial dealings, including the diversion of party funds, personal enrichment schemes, and financial transactions executed without the approval of the NWC.
The statement emphasized:
“In exercise of its constitutional powers under Articles 19.1, 19.3(i), and 19.5 of the SDP Constitution (2022 as amended), the NWC has approved the immediate suspension of Alhaji Shehu Musa Gabam and two other key members of the party’s leadership structure, over grave allegations of embezzlement, misappropriation, and unauthorized movement of party resources.”
The party noted that the move was not only disciplinary but also a statement of principle, reinforcing its stance as a party with zero tolerance for corruption.
“This action is to demonstrate our commitment to transparency and integrity, values that the SDP holds dear as a credible alternative political platform in Nigeria,” the NWC said.
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To this end, the party has set up an interim investigative panel to audit the party’s financial records. The committee is tasked with submitting recommendations for further disciplinary or legal actions against those found culpable.
Pending the conclusion of the probe, Deputy National Chairman Dr. Sadiq Umar Abubakar has been directed to assume leadership of the party in acting capacity.
The statement further disclosed that the alleged misappropriated funds run into several hundreds of millions of naira, including proceeds from the sale of nomination forms during the 2023 general elections and other donations received into the party’s accounts.
The SDP has officially communicated the suspension to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and relevant anti-corruption agencies.
“The suspension takes immediate effect. We urge the general public and party stakeholders to take due note of this development,” the statement concluded.
