SDP suspends National Chairman, Gabam, over alleged misconduct

The National Working Committee of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) has announced the immediate suspension of its National Chairman, Shehu Gabam, over allegations of serious financial misconduct.

Alongside him, the party also suspended Nnadi Clarkson, the National Auditor, and Chukwuma Uchechukwu, the National Youth Leader. The three officials stand accused of embezzlement, misappropriation, and the diversion of party funds.

This development was made public in a statement issued by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Araba Rufus Aiyenigba, and shared with News360 Nigeria. Aiyenigba stated that the decision was reached following a resolution by members of the National Working Committee after overwhelming evidence reportedly linked the suspended officials to a series of unauthorized financial transactions and the illegal movement of funds without the committee’s approval.

The statement revealed that the issue first came to light when it was discovered that the National Chairman sent an unauthorized financial report to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), as part of the yearly requirement for political parties. It was also alleged that a summary of the fraudulent account was published in national newspapers. Upon discovering this, the NWC reportedly resolved to alert security agencies about the financial irregularities.

Aiyenigba stressed that the party, known for its discipline and reputation as a credible political alternative in Nigeria, has zero tolerance for corruption and abuse of office. He explained that the suspension would allow for a thorough investigation into the financial dealings of the suspended officials, and an interim investigative panel has already been set up to audit all financial records and recommend appropriate disciplinary or legal actions.

In the meantime, the Deputy National Chairman (North), Dr. Sadiq Umar Abubakar, has assumed leadership of the party as Acting National Chairman in line with the party’s constitution. The statement further alleged that the financial misconduct involved hundreds of millions of naira, including funds generated from the sale of nomination forms ahead of the 2023 general elections and other party revenues.

The party noted that INEC and relevant security agencies have been formally notified of the suspension of Shehu Gabam, Nnadi Clarkson, and Uchechukwu Chukwuma, which takes immediate effect.