By John Moses
A leadership crisis has gripped Social Democratic Party (SDP) after the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) announced the suspension of its national chairman, Alhaji Shehu Musa Gabam, alongside two other top officials, over serious allegations of financial misconduct.
Gabam, however, has rejected the claims, calling the suspension “fake news” and blaming political forces tied to a budding 2027 election coalition for the internal turmoil.
The crisis, which erupted earlier this week, also saw the suspension of the party’s National Auditor, Nze Nnadi Clarkson, and National Youth Leader, Uchechukwu Chukwuma, following an NWC meeting where they were accused of misappropriating party funds and executing unauthorised financial transactions. According to Araba Rufus Aiyenigba, the party’s national publicity secretary, the misconduct involved the diversion of hundreds of millions of naira, including donations and revenues from nomination form sales during the 2023 elections.
The NWC has named Dr. Sadiq Umar Abubakar, Deputy National Chairman (North), as acting national chairman pending the outcome of a probe. An investigative panel has been established to audit the party’s finances.
The scandal has sparked violent confrontations at the party’s Abuja headquarters, with clashes between security personnel and party youths attempting to storm the secretariat. Journalists covering the incident were also caught in the fray, with some reportedly manhandled and having their equipment seized before being rescued by security agents.
Gabam has insisted that the suspension was politically motivated and orchestrated by figures within a proposed opposition coalition, which includes former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and ex-Kaduna Governor Nasir El-Rufai. The coalition had been considering the SDP as a possible platform for the 2027 elections.
“There was no legitimate NWC meeting where my suspension was agreed upon,” Gabam said during a press conference. He accused members of using external legal firms to contact INEC, Nigeria’s electoral body, in violation of internal protocols that require the chairman’s signature for official communication.
He added: “This is not just an attack on me. It’s an assault on democracy and a disservice to Nigeria.”
Gabam also questioned the integrity of those accusing him of misappropriation, stating that all financial transactions were documented and accessible in the party’s bank records. “I am ready to account for every naira under my leadership,” he declared.
As tensions mount, both party insiders and political observers are watching closely, with many seeing the dispute as a litmus test for opposition unity ahead of 2027.
