The Social Democratic Party (SDP) National Working Committee (NWC) has approved the immediate suspension of the party’s National Chairman, Shehu Gabam, due to accusations of serious financial improprieties, including embezzlement, misappropriation, and the diversion of party funds.
Araba Rufus Aiyenigba, the party’s spokesperson, announced this in a statement released on Tuesday.
Nze Nnadi Clarkson, the National Auditor, and Uchechukwu Chukwuma, the party’s National Youth Leader, were also suspended.
He noted that this decision was made under articles 19.1, 19.3(i), and 19.5 of the party’s amended 2022 constitution. Aiyenigba indicated that the resolution stemmed from a meeting of the NWC where “overwhelming evidence” was presented against the three officials.
“The national working committee of the Social Democratic Party has approved the immediate suspension of Alhaji Shehu Musa Gabam, the national chairman, along with Nze Nnadi Clarkson and Uchechukwu Chukwuma, over grave allegations of gross financial misconduct, embezzlement, misappropriation and diversion of party funds,” the statement read.
He said that the suspended leaders were found to be involved in unauthorised financial activities, schemes for personal gain, and the transfer of funds from party accounts without the required approval of the NWC. He added that an interim committee has been established to review the party’s financial documents and recommend any necessary disciplinary or legal action.
The party has appointed Sadiq Umar Abubakar, the deputy national chairman, to serve as acting chairman.
Aiyenigba confirmed that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), anti-corruption agencies, and security organisations have been officially informed of the suspensions.
