The Social Democratic Party (SDP) has suspended its national chairman, Shehu Gabam, for allegedly diverting the party’s funds.
The SDP announced this in a statement issued by its national publicity secretary, Rufus Aiyenigba, on Tuesday, June 24, 2025.
Aiyenigba disclosed that Gabam was suspended alongside the SDP’s national auditor, Nnadi Clarkson, and the national youth leader, Uchechukwu Chukwuma.
Aiyenigba said the suspensions were based on grave allegations of financial misconduct, embezzlement, misappropriation, and diversion of party’s funds.
Aiyenigba said the suspended leaders were linked to unauthorised financial transactions, personal enrichment schemes, and the movement of funds from party accounts without the necessary approval of the NWC.
The SDP spokespersons added: “This action is to demonstrate to the general public that the SDP – generally esteemed by Nigerians as a disciplined and credible alternative political platform – has zero tolerance for corruption and abuse of office.
“The suspension is to allow for a thorough investigation. Our integrity as a political party must be upheld at all times.”
Aiyenigba disclosed that an interim panel had been constituted to audit the party’s financial records and recommend further disciplinary or legal steps.
Aiyenigba noted that the party’s deputy national chairman, Sadiq Umar Abubakar, had been directed to take over as acting chairman.
He added that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), anti-graft agencies, and security agencies had been formally notified of the suspensions.
