The Social Democratic Party (SDP) has suspended its National Chairman, Shehu Gabam, alongside National Auditor Nnadi Clarkson and National Youth Leader Chukwuma Uchechukwu. The decision, announced by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Araba Rufus Aiyenigba, follows serious allegations of gross financial misconduct, including embezzlement, misappropriation, and diversion of party funds. The trio is accused of conducting unauthorized financial transactions, enriching themselves through party accounts, and submitting an unapproved financial report to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
The scandal reportedly began when Gabam submitted an unofficial financial statement to INEC, which was later discovered and flagged by the NWC. An investigation revealed the fraudulent nature of the document and prompted the party to alert law enforcement. The SDP leadership emphasized its zero-tolerance policy for corruption, vowing to uphold the party’s integrity as a credible alternative in Nigeria’s political landscape. Aiyenigba stated that the suspension aims to allow a transparent and unbiased investigation into the financial dealings.
An interim investigative panel has been set up to review all financial records, with the Deputy National Chairman (North), Dr. Sadiq Umar Abubakar, stepping in as Acting National Chairman. The misappropriated funds allegedly include hundreds of millions of naira from party donations and nomination form sales during the 2023 elections. The decision has been formally communicated to INEC and other relevant agencies, and further disciplinary or legal actions may follow based on the outcome of the audit.
