The National Chairman of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Alhaji Shehu Gabam, has strongly denied reports of his suspension, dismissing the claims as “fake news” and the work of political saboteurs bent on destabilising the party.
Speaking at a press conference held on Tuesday at the SDP National Secretariat in Abuja, Gabam, flanked by members of the party’s National Working Committee (NWC), declared he remains firmly in control of the party’s leadership.
“I remain the National Chairman of the SDP, as you can see. There has been no NWC meeting where such a decision was taken. The report is baseless and should be disregarded,” he said.
Gabam alleged that a coalition of external political actors and disgruntled party insiders are behind the attempt to fracture the SDP’s leadership, warning that such moves are aimed at hijacking or destroying the party.
“We’ve seen this before. Certain people believe that if they can’t have the SDP, they must cripple it. They see us as a threat—too strong to manipulate. That’s why they are fueling internal chaos,” he stated.
The embattled chairman revealed that there was an attempt by unnamed legal actors to convene an NWC meeting behind his back. According to him, a request for the meeting was submitted to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) by the party’s National Secretary, Dr. Olu Agunloye, but was ultimately rejected for not being properly authorised.
“INEC made it clear that the request was illegal because it didn’t carry my signature. That tells you everything you need to know about the legitimacy of the claims against me,” Gabam explained.
He warned of the broader implications of such power plays, urging President Bola Tinubu to caution security agencies against being used as political tools.
“This is dangerous territory for our democracy. Once dissenting voices are no longer tolerated, democracy is under threat. The misuse of security agencies to settle political scores is a disservice not just to me or to the SDP—but to Nigeria as a whole,” he said.
On allegations of financial misconduct, Gabam maintained his innocence, stating that all financial transactions under his leadership are properly documented and transparent.
“Let them bring the facts. Our bank records are clear. Every NWC member who received funds is listed in the statements. No one has been left out—including those making the accusations,” he said.
He also called out a former party chairman involved in the allegations, implying that such individuals should first account for their own past records before pointing fingers.
“I’m ready to defend every action I’ve taken as chairman—any time, any day,” Gabam asserted.
The SDP continues to face internal tensions as party leaders navigate the fallout from the latest leadership dispute.
Comments