Amid growing internal unrest, the National Working Committee (NWC) of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) has suspended the party’s National Chairman, Shehu Musa Gabam, along with two other officials — Nze Nnadi Clarkson, the National Auditor, and Uchechukwu Chukwuma, the National Youth Leader — over serious allegations of financial misconduct.
The suspension was announced in a statement by the party’s spokesperson, Araba Rufus Aiyenigba, and takes effect immediately.
According to the statement, the decision was made in accordance with the party’s constitution, specifically Articles 19.1, 19.3(i), and 19.5, following a resolution passed during a recent NWC meeting. The committee cited overwhelming evidence linking the suspended officials to gross financial misconduct, including embezzlement, misappropriation, and the diversion of party funds.
The party accused the trio of engaging in unauthorized financial transactions and personal enrichment schemes, as well as moving funds from party accounts without the required approval of the NWC.
This development follows mounting tensions within the party, including a protest on Tuesday in which angry members pulled down the gate of the SDP National Secretariat in Abuja. The protest is believed to have been sparked by grievances over alleged corruption and a lack of accountability within the party leadership.
The SDP now faces the challenge of navigating this leadership crisis while attempting to restore internal order and public confidence in its operations.
