SDP suspends national chairman for diverting party’s funds

The Social Democratic Party (SDP) has suspended its national chairman, Shehu Gabam, for allegedly diverting the party’s funds.

The SDP announced this via a statement issued by its national publicity secretary, Rufus Aiyenigba, on Tuesday, June 24, 2025.

Aiyenigba disclosed that Gabam was suspended alongside the SDP’s national auditor, Nnadi Clarkson, and the national youth leader, Uchechukwu Chukwuma.

Aiyenigba said the suspensions were based on grave allegations of financial misconduct, embezzlement, misappropriation, and diversion of party’s funds.

Aiyenigba said the suspended leaders were linked to unauthorised financial transactions, personal enrichment schemes, and the movement of funds from party accounts without the necessary approval of the NWC.

The SDP spokesman added: “This action is to demonstrate to the general public that the SDP – generally esteemed by Nigerians as a disciplined and credible alternative political platform – has zero tolerance for corruption and abuse of office.

“The suspension is to allow for a thorough investigation. Our integrity as a political party must be upheld at all times.”

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Aiyenigba disclosed that an interim panel has been constituted to audit the party’s financial records and recommend further disciplinary or legal steps.

Aiyenigba noted that the party’s deputy national chairman, Sadiq Umar Abubakar, has been directed to take over as acting chairman.

He added that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), anti-graft agencies, and security agencies have been formally notified of the suspensions.

The Star