The Social Democratic Party (SDP) has announced the immediate suspension of its National Chairman, Shehu Gabam, over allegations of financial misconduct and diversion of party funds.
Also suspended are the party’s National Auditor, Nnadi Clarkson, and the National Youth Leader, Chukwuma Uchechukwu. The decision, which takes immediate effect, was disclosed in a statement on Tuesday by the SDP National Publicity Secretary, Ambassador Araba Aiyenigba.
According to the statement, the suspended officials were allegedly involved in a series of unauthorised financial transactions, including personal enrichment schemes and the diversion of party funds without the approval of the National Working Committee (NWC).
Aiyenigba revealed that Gabam submitted an unauthorised financial statement to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and went ahead to publish the summary in national newspapers — a move that prompted the party to notify law enforcement agencies.
“This action reinforces our zero-tolerance stance on corruption,” Aiyenigba said.
To ensure accountability, the SDP has set up an interim investigative panel to conduct a thorough audit of the party’s financial records. The panel is expected to recommend disciplinary measures or legal action where necessary.
The party further claimed that the mismanaged funds may total hundreds of millions of naira, allegedly including revenues from the sale of nomination forms and donations during the 2023 election cycle.
In line with the party’s constitution, the Deputy National Chairman (North), Sadiq Abubakar, has been appointed as the Acting National Chairman.
INEC and other relevant agencies have been formally notified of the suspension.
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