State Chairmen of Nigeria’s Social Democratic Party (SDP) have endorsed the expulsion of the party’s National Chairman, Alhaji Shehu Musa Gabam, and other officials over allegations of serious financial impropriety.
The party’s National Working Committee (NWC) expelled Mr Gabam and the National Youth Leader, Mr Ogbonna Chukwuma Uchechukwu, on Thursday in Abuja. The decision followed months of investigation and disciplinary proceedings.
In a statement on Friday, the forum of state chairmen, led by Lagos State Chairman Femi Olaniyi, threw its weight behind the move. The chairmen described Mr Gabam’s removal as a pivotal moment for the party.
“The departure of Shehu Gabam at this crucial moment marks a victory for the righteous over evil. History will not overlook the years he spent as national chairman,” Mr Olaniyi said.
He was sharply critical of Mr Gabam’s tenure, stating, “Without reservation, Gabam has been a negative influence on the political development of the Social Democratic Party.”
The forum expressed its gratitude to the NWC for its action, calling it a relief. “At this point, the forum of Social Democratic Party state chairmen would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to the party’s National Working Committee for their role in removing Shehu Gabam and others. It is a relief to see the end of such a detrimental influence,” the statement read.
Mr Olaniyi concluded by congratulating the party’s membership and leadership, saying, “Congratulations to all our members across the country and to the party leadership for taking this bold step to protect the party from reckless behaviour and mischief.”
The expulsions were announced by the National Publicity Secretary, Rufus Aiyenigba, who cited the adoption of a report from a Disciplinary Committee. The committee investigated allegations of “gross financial misconduct, embezzlement, misappropriation, and diversion of party funds.”
Alongside Mr Gabam and Mr Uchechukwu, who were both “dismissed and expelled,” former National Auditor Clarkson Nnadi was relieved of his duties following a voluntary resignation.
The NWC also expelled eight other members for alleged acts of disloyalty and unlawful entry into the party’s national secretariat in July.
Mr Gabam was initially suspended in June alongside the other NWC members after the party said “overwhelming evidence” linked them to unauthorised financial transactions and movements of party funds without approval.
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