Alhaji Shehu Musa Gabam, embattled National Chairman of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), has denounced his expulsion and that of other top officials as unconstitutional and a deliberate attempt to destabilise the party.
In a statement issued Friday by his Special Assistant (Legal), Abubakar Baba, Gabam described the meeting that led to his removal as null and void, citing Article 13 (iv) of the party’s constitution, which empowers only the chairman to preside over key party organs.
The statement accused Dr Sadiq, who presided over the meeting, of impersonation, asserting that he is not a member of the party’s National Executive Committee and lacks the authority to convene such gatherings.
Gabam also criticised the party’s National Secretary, Dr Olu Agunloye, for allegedly informing INEC of the meeting’s decisions, calling the move a breach of INEC’s 2022 guidelines for political parties.
To support its claims, the Gabam-led faction presented a Certified True Copy from INEC confirming Gabam’s recognition as National Chairman. The statement also alleged that Agunloye is facing trial for forgery and fraud, questioning his moral standing.
The SDP reaffirmed its commitment to the rule of law and internal order, warning the public to disregard actions taken by the Dr Sadiq-led group, whom it labelled impostors.
The controversy follows the National Working Committee’s decision on Thursday to expel Gabam, National Youth Leader Ogbonna Chukwuma Uchechukwu, and others over allegations of misconduct and financial impropriety.
The NWC cited findings from a disciplinary investigation and a White Paper review as the basis for the expulsions. Additional members were dismissed for disloyalty and unlawful entry into the party’s secretariat.
The crisis marks a deepening rift within the SDP, raising questions about leadership legitimacy and internal governance.
