The National Working Committee (NWC) of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) has formally suspended its National Chairman, Alhaji Shehu Musa Gabam, alongside two other senior officials, over serious allegations of fraud, conspiracy, and financial misconduct.
In a letter dated June 25, 2025, and addressed to the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the SDP confirmed that the decision was taken during a scheduled NWC meeting held on June 24, which INEC was invited to observe.
Suspended alongside Gabam are Mr. Clarkson Nnadi, the party’s National Auditor, and Mr. Ogbonna Uchechukwu, the National Youth Leader.
Security Alerts, Disruption, and Violence
Security arrangements were reportedly made ahead of the meeting following intelligence reports of a planned disruption. Despite precautions, violence broke out shortly after the suspensions were ratified.
“The suspended members arrived later with hoodlums who pulled down the party gate. Journalists were assaulted and cameras smashed,” said SDP National Publicity Secretary, Rufus Aiyenigba.
“However, the resolution had already been taken before the chaos erupted.”
Allegations: Hundreds of Millions Transferred Illegally
The SDP accused Gabam and the others of conducting unauthorised withdrawals from party accounts, diverting hundreds of millions of naira, and bypassing due process.
“This is not a personal attack,” Aiyenigba explained. “It’s about sanitising the system. We discovered that party funds were being paid into private accounts without the approval of the NWC.”
The party’s National Secretary, Dr. Olu Agunloye, noted that the suspensions were made in line with the party’s 2012 Constitution (as amended) and that the individuals would be barred from all party activities pending the outcome of internal disciplinary procedures and criminal investigations.
Majority of NWC Members Back Suspension
According to the party, 11 out of 15 NWC members were present and endorsed the action before the disruption occurred.
SDP leadership insists that the move is part of a broader effort to restore accountability and integrity within the party ahead of future political engagements.
INEC is expected to respond or acknowledge the notification as the situation within the SDP continues to develop.