SDP state chairmen back expulsion of national chairman, Gabam, others

State chairmen of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) have declared their full support for the expulsion of the party’s National Chairman, Alhaji Shehu Musa Gabam, and two other members of the National Working Committee (NWC) over allegations of financial misconduct, embezzlement, and diversion of party funds.

In a statement issued on Friday, the Chairman of the Forum of SDP State Chairmen and Lagos State Chairman, Femi Olaniyi, described Gabam’s removal as “a victory for the righteous over evil,” noting that his tenure brought setbacks to the party’s political growth.

Olaniyi said Gabam’s departure marks a turning point for the SDP, commending the NWC for taking decisive action to protect the party’s integrity. He added that members across the country welcome the move as a necessary step toward rebuilding trust and discipline within 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,” Olaniyi said, adding that Gabam had been “a negative influence” on the SDP’s progress.

The development comes a day after the NWC announced the expulsion of Gabam, along with the National Youth Leader, Ogbonna Chukwuma Uchechukwu, following months of investigation into alleged misconduct and abuse of office.

According to the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Rufus Aiyenigba, the decision was based on the adoption of the Disciplinary Committee’s report and a white paper that reviewed evidence of unauthorised financial transactions and breach of party regulations.

Others affected include Clarkson Nnadi, the former National Auditor, who resigned voluntarily, and eight other members accused of disloyalty and unlawful entry into the party’s national secretariat in July.

The crisis within the SDP began in June when the NWC suspended Gabam and two others over alleged misappropriation of party funds. With the latest decision, the leadership has vowed to restore transparency and unity within the party.