The National Working Committee (NWC) of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) has announced the immediate suspension of its National Chairman, Shehu Gabam, alongside Nnadi Clarkson (National Auditor) and Chukwuma Uchechukwu (National Youth Leader), over allegations of gross financial misconduct, embezzlement, and diversion of party funds.
In a statement issued by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Araba Rufus Aiyenigba, the NWC said the suspensions followed overwhelming evidence linking the officials to unauthorized financial transactions and misappropriation of funds.
The NWC cited the submission of an unauthorized financial statement to INEC by Gabam, and the publication of a fraudulent financial report, as key triggers for the investigation. The party said it had resolved to report the irregularities to law enforcement agencies.
“The SDP, widely respected as a disciplined and credible alternative platform, has zero tolerance for corruption and abuse of office,” the statement said.
An interim investigative panel has been set up to audit the party’s financial records and recommend further disciplinary or legal action.
Deputy National Chairman (North), Dr. Sadiq Umar Abubakar, has been appointed Acting National Chairman in line with the party’s constitution.
Aiyenigba alleged that the misappropriated funds amounted to hundreds of millions of naira, including proceeds from the sale of nomination forms during the 2023 general elections.
The suspension has been formally communicated to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and other relevant authorities.
