NATIONAL CHAIRMAN SHEHU GABAM

The Social Democratic Party (SDP) has suspended its National Chairman, Shehu Gabam, over allegations of financial mismanagement and unauthorised diversion of party funds.

In a statement issued today by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Araba Aiyenigba, the SDP also announced the suspension of its National Auditor, Nnadi Clarkson, and National Youth Leader, Chukwuma Uchechukwu.

According to Aiyenigba, the suspended officials were allegedly involved in “unauthorised financial transactions, personal enrichment schemes, and diversion of funds without the approval of the National Working Committee (NWC).”

The party said Gabam submitted an unapproved financial statement to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and published it in national newspapers without prior clearance. This, the SDP noted, constituted a gross violation of internal procedures and prompted it to alert relevant law enforcement agencies.

“This action reinforces our zero-tolerance stance on corruption,” Aiyenigba said.

To ensure a thorough probe into the allegations, the party has constituted an interim investigative panel to audit all financial records and recommend appropriate disciplinary or legal measures.

Pending the conclusion of the investigation, Deputy National Chairman (North), Sadiq Abubakar, has been appointed Acting National Chairman in accordance with the party’s constitution.

The party claims that the alleged financial infractions involve hundreds of millions of naira, including proceeds from the sale of nomination forms and campaign donations during the 2023 elections.

The Independent National Electoral Commission and other relevant agencies have been formally notified of the suspensions, which the party said take immediate effect.