ABUJA – The National Working Committee (NWC) of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) has announced the immediate suspension of its National Chairman, Alhaji Shehu Gabam, alongside two other top party officials over allegations of gross financial misconduct.
In a statement issued on Tuesday by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Araba Rufus Aiyenigba, the NWC said the suspension also affects Nnadi Clarkson, the National Auditor, and Chukwuma Uchechukwu, the National Youth Leader.
The statement alleged that the suspended officials were involved in unauthorized financial transactions, embezzlement, and diversion of party funds. “Overwhelming evidence was presented linking the suspended officials to personal enrichment schemes and movement of funds from the party’s accounts without NWC approval,” Aiyenigba noted.
The controversy reportedly began when Gabam allegedly sent an unauthorised financial statement to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and published a summary of the disputed accounts in newspapers, prompting internal investigations.
To ensure a thorough probe, the party has constituted an interim investigative panel to audit all financial records and recommend further disciplinary or legal action. “Our integrity as a political party must be upheld at all times,” the statement emphasized.
In the meantime, the Deputy National Chairman (North), Dr. Sadiq Umar Abubakar, has been named Acting National Chairman in accordance with the SDP constitution.
Aiyenigba also alleged that the misappropriated funds amount to several hundreds of millions of naira, including proceeds from the sale of nomination forms during the 2023 general elections. He confirmed that the suspension of the three officials has been communicated to INEC and other relevant authorities.
The NWC said the move demonstrates the party’s commitment to internal discipline, transparency, and zero tolerance for corruption.
