Why we backed Gabam’s suspension- SDP State Chairmen
… demand investigation, NEC meeting
The State chairmen of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) have backed the suspension of the party’s National Chairman, Shehu Musa Gabam, alongside two other top officials, saying the move was a necessary step to restore accountability, transparency and internal democracy in the party.
Speaking to journalists in Abuja on Friday, the Forum of SDP State Chairmen debunked reports of a crisis within the party, insisting that the ongoing events reflect a determined effort to cleanse the party of corruption and reinforce its democratic ethos.
“We want to clarify to the public that there is no crisis within the party. The SDP is committed to building a strong internal democracy and presenting ourselves as a credible alternative, hence the need to cleanse ourselves from within lest we be guilty of hypocrisy”, the forum stated in a joint address.
They expressed outrage over the alleged financial misconduct by Gabam, National Auditor Clarkson Nnadi, and National Youth Leader Ogbonna Chukuwma, describing their suspension as long overdue and in line with the wishes of party members at the grassroots.
The forum accused the suspended National Chairman of running the party like a personal fiefdom, saying “No state chapter has received any funds from the money raised. Whenever we inquire about our dues, we encounter threats of removal or suspension. Monkey dey work, baboon dey chop.”
They further condemned what they described as the “autocratic leadership style” of Gabam, accusing him of failing to call a single National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting since he assumed office, saying “More importantly, this message must go to all and sundry: when money is donated or contributed to the party, it is for the development of the party, not for an individual to appropriate as personal resources,”
The forum also urged the current acting leadership of the party to convene a NEC meeting immediately and allow the investigative panel a free hand to work.
They called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) not to meddle in the internal affairs of the party, adding “The public impression that INEC has shown a tendency to dabble into the internal affairs of political parties… should not be extended to the SDP”.
The state chairmen emphasized that the internal reforms and disciplinary actions were not about political alignments or 2027 elections, but about ensuring that the party lives up to its founding ideals of integrity, social justice and service.
