SDP National Working Committee Expels Former Chairman Gabam and Youth Leader Over Allegations of Financial Misconduct and Abuse of Office

The internal crisis rocking the Social Democratic Party (SDP) reached a dramatic climax on Thursday as the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) announced the immediate expulsion of its former National Chairman, Alhaji Shehu Musa Gabam, and several other top officials over allegations of gross misconduct and financial malpractices.

The decision, which was ratified by the NWC following a meeting in Abuja, saw the formal removal and expulsion of Gabam and the former National Youth Leader, Mr. Ogbonna Chukwuma Uchechukwu, effective immediately.

Addressing the media at the party’s National Secretariat, the National Publicity Secretary, Rufus Aiyenigba, confirmed that the expulsion was based on the findings and recommendations contained in a White Paper adopted by the NWC. He recalled that the party had initially suspended Gabam, Uchechukwu, and the former National Auditor, Mr. Clarkson Nnadi, on June 24, 2025, after establishing a prima facie case of financial impropriety and gross abuse of office.

“To ensure due process, the party constituted an independent Disciplinary Committee on July 4, 2025, which conducted a two-week investigation and submitted its report on July 18, 2025, confirming the constitutional violations,” Aiyenigba stated. The NWC subsequently adopted the White Paper on August 15, leading to Thursday’s decisive action. The National Auditor, Mr. Nnadi, was relieved of his duties following his voluntary resignation.

The crisis further escalated as eight other members were also expelled for alleged disloyalty and “unlawful entry” into the party’s national secretariat on July 28. According to the party’s spokesman, these members were apprehended by security operatives while allegedly removing sensitive documents and valuables and are currently facing criminal prosecution.

Aiyenigba emphasized that the disciplinary measures were essential to “restore integrity, discipline, and internal order” within the SDP, adding that the NWC is committed to implementing administrative reforms to prevent similar breaches in the future.