Party argues government funding of parties legitimate if…
By Abu Daniel
The National Chairman of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Alhaji Shehu Gabam, has dismissed former Vice President Atiku Abubakar’s allegations that the government is financing opposition political parties, stating that Atiku has provided no substantiated evidence to support his claims.
This is even as he stressed that there was nothing inherently improper about government funding of political parties, provided such actions adhere to established due process and transparency.
Gabam stated this in an interview with Daily Trust, as he reiterated the SDP’s commitment to maintaining its integrity, vowing that the party would not be exploited as a tool by self-serving political actors who have contributed to the decline of their own political organizations.
“There have also been many rumours, often spread by those with a defeatist mindset, suggesting that the SDP is being funded by the presidency. That is completely false.
“We have never received funding from the president, governor or any individual. I challenge anyone with evidence to publish it, including you journalists. You are free to investigate.
“Not only do I deny it, I also told the former vice president directly that he is incorrect. I challenged him to provide evidence and publish it. Has he done that? No; and that is because there is nothing to support his claim”.
“I don’t know the source of his information, but I have my own facts and there is no such thing. I cannot speak for other parties, but I know that N50 million is not a small sum. If the presidency were making monthly payments of N50 million to political parties, there would be evidence. Besides, the government itself struggles to pay salaries”, said Gabam.
He, however, maintained that there is no inherent issue with the government providing financial support to political parties, which, like other institutions, serve as employers of labour and contribute to the socio-economic fabric of the nation.
He said: “If the government genuinely wants to fund political institutions, which are also employers of labour, there is nothing wrong with that as long as it follows due process and remains accountable. Traditionally, it is INEC that disburses such funds following clear guidelines. If funding is done through proper channels, parties will be held accountable.
“However, if money is being given through the backdoor, that is not funding, it is corruption. When political parties receive funding through legitimate means, they must account for it to the INEC. Our party’s financial records are audited internally and externally, and we publish them in two national dailies as a mark of transparency. The law requires this.
“We are straightforward, sincere and committed to changing Nigeria’s political landscape.
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