By Rafiyat Sadiq
Tensions flared at the national secretariat of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) on Tuesday following the suspension of the party’s National Chairman, Alhaji Shehu Musa Gabam, and two senior officials over allegations of financial impropriety.
The National Working Committee (NWC) of the party announced the immediate suspension of Gabam, National Auditor Nze Nnadi Clarkson, and National Youth Leader Uchechukwu Chukwuma. The committee cited “gross financial misconduct, embezzlement, misappropriation, and diversion of party funds” as the basis for its action.
The announcement sparked a violent clash between factions loyal to Gabam and those aligned with the party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Prince Adewole Adebayo. The confrontation erupted around 11:20 a.m. at the party’s headquarters on Nairobi Street, Abuja, leading to the destruction of the front gate and injuries to several individuals.
Eyewitnesses said the confrontation turned physical as hired security operatives and alleged thugs clashed with loyalists of the National Publicity Secretary, Rufus Aiyenigba, and the Adebayo camp. Some journalists invited to cover the NWC meeting were reportedly harassed in the scuffle.
In a statement released Aiyenigba confirmed the suspensions, stating that the decision was based on overwhelming evidence presented during the NWC meeting. The evidence reportedly linked the suspended officials to unauthorized withdrawals and financial schemes involving party funds.
“The decision followed resolutions made by members of the NWC, where overwhelming evidence was presented linking the suspended officials to a series of unauthorised financial transactions, personal enrichment schemes, and movement of funds from the party’s accounts without the committee’s approval,” the statement read.
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According to the party’s leadership, the situation escalated when Gabam allegedly submitted an unauthorised financial statement to the Independent National Electoral Commission and caused a summary of the accounts to be published in the media.
According to Aiyenigba, “The suspension is to uphold the integrity of the party and demonstrate zero tolerance for corruption. An interim investigative panel has been constituted to audit the party’s financial records and recommend further disciplinary or legal actions.”
In the meantime, Deputy National Chairman Dr. Sadiq Umar Abubakar has been appointed as acting leader of the party, pending the outcome of the investigation.
Party sources said the alleged misappropriated funds include hundreds of millions of naira from donations, nomination form sales during the 2023 general elections, and other party resources.
The party has notified the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), anti-graft bodies, and security agencies of the suspension. Aiyenigba urged the public to take note of the development.
Rafiyat Sadiq is a political, justice, and human rights reporter with Pinnacle Daily, known for fearless reporting and impactful storytelling. At Pinnacle Daily, she brings clarity and depth to issues shaping governance, democracy, and the protection of citizens’ rights.