The Social Democratic Party (SDP), once touted as a potential unifying platform for Nigeria’s opposition ahead of the 2027 general elections, has been thrown into disarray following the suspension of its national chairman and two other senior party executives.
The party’s National Working Committee (NWC) announced the suspension of Alhaji Shehu Musa Gabam, Nze Nnadi Clarkson (National Auditor), and Uchechukwu Chukwuma (National Youth Leader) over allegations of gross financial misconduct, embezzlement, and unauthorised diversion of party funds.
In a statement issued by National Publicity Secretary Araba Rufus Aiyenigba, the NWC claimed the officials were involved in illicit financial activities, including submitting a fraudulent financial statement to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) without proper authorisation.
“This action demonstrates our commitment to transparency and reinforces the SDP’s reputation as a corruption-free alternative in Nigerian politics,” Aiyenigba said. He added that a temporary investigative committee would audit all party financial records, and a formal complaint has been filed with law enforcement agencies.
Following the suspension, Dr. Sadiq Umar Abubakar has been named interim chairman. The SDP has also notified INEC and relevant authorities about the leadership changes.
However, Gabam has dismissed the allegations and the suspension, branding the accusations a smear campaign orchestrated by political forces seeking to hijack the party for their coalition ambitions.
“These individuals are trying to sow chaos in the SDP because they see it as a credible platform. Their goal is to take it over or destroy it,” Gabam said at a press briefing, insisting he remains the party’s legitimate leader.
He criticised attempts to communicate with INEC through private legal firms without his authorisation, calling the move unconstitutional and “a blatant violation” of the party’s internal procedures.
Violence erupted outside the SDP national headquarters in Abuja following the announcement, with hired security personnel clashing with party youth attempting to storm the building. Several journalists were assaulted, with phones seized and one reporter sustaining minor injuries before the Department of State Services (DSS) intervened.
Gabam went further to allege that state institutions were being used to destabilise the party, warning that such interference could pose a serious threat to Nigeria’s democratic institutions.
“We must not allow democracy to be compromised by those who cannot tolerate dissenting voices. This is not about me, but about the future of democratic governance in our country,” he said.
The party’s former presidential candidate, Adewole Adebayo, and other key figures have remained silent, although sources say internal negotiations are underway to de-escalate the crisis.
As speculation intensifies over the future of the opposition alliance and the SDP’s role in 2027, the party faces a defining moment in its struggle for internal stability and national relevance.
