The Social Democratic Party (SDP) has announced the suspension of its National Chairman, Shehu Gabam, citing allegations of financial impropriety and mismanagement of party resources.
Also affected by the suspension are the party’s National Auditor, Nnadi Clarkson, and the National Youth Leader, Chukwuma Uchechukwu.
The development was disclosed in a statement released on Tuesday by the SDP’s National Publicity Secretary, Araba Aiyenigba.
According to the statement, “The suspended officials were linked to a series of unauthorised financial transactions, personal enrichment schemes, and diversion of funds without NWC approval.”
Aiyenigba further stated that Gabam submitted an unapproved financial statement to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and published a summary in national newspapers, actions which triggered a formal report to law enforcement agencies.
“This action reinforces our zero-tolerance stance on corruption,” he added.
In response to the alleged misconduct, the party has constituted an interim audit panel to review its financial records and recommend appropriate disciplinary or legal actions.
Pending the outcome of investigations, the Deputy National Chairman (North), Sadiq Abubakar, has been appointed as the Acting National Chairman in accordance with the party’s constitution.
The SDP revealed that the funds allegedly misappropriated amount to several hundreds of millions of naira, including revenue generated from the sale of nomination forms and donations received during the 2023 general elections.
The party also confirmed that it has officially informed INEC and other relevant authorities of the suspensions, which take immediate effect.
