The crisis dogging the Social Democratic Party, SDP, is festering.
Friday in Abuja, the Forum of State Chairmen declared support for the suspension of the party’s National Chairman, Shehu Gabam, stating that the decision marks a vital step toward restoring transparency and constitutional discipline within the party.
In a press conference held in Abuja on Friday, Femi Olaniyi, Chairman of the Forum, spoke on behalf of all 36 state chairmen, asserting that the party’s recent internal shake-up is not a crisis, but a cleansing process to uphold accountability.
“There is no crisis within the SDP. What we are doing is internal cleansing, not internal crisis,” Olaniyi emphasized. “We cannot condemn corruption in government while ignoring it in our own house.”
Gabam was suspended alongside two other top officials—National Auditor Clarkson Nnadi and National Youth Leader Ogbonna Chukwuma—over allegations of financial mismanagement, autocratic leadership, and constitutional violations. According to the forum, these actions were taken in accordance with due process and in line with the party’s constitution.
Olaniyi stated that repeated calls for transparency in the handling of party funds had gone unheeded, with state chapters allegedly being denied access to resources despite their constitutional entitlement. “No state chapter has received a dime.
When we asked, we were threatened with suspension. It’s the classic ‘monkey dey work, baboon dey chop’ scenario,” he lamented.
The chairmen also criticized Gabam for allegedly failing to convene the National Executive Committee, NEC, meeting since assuming office—another breach of the SDP constitution.
“We urge the Acting National Chairman and the National Secretary to immediately convene a NEC meeting. It is long overdue and essential for restoring order,” Olaniyi declared.
The forum proposed nominating a representative to participate in the Disciplinary Investigation Panel, with a strong call for a transparent, independent process free from political manipulation.
The move comes amid mounting internal frustration and growing concerns among SDP members and supporters about the party’s direction ahead of the 2027 general elections.
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However, Olaniyi stressed that the current actions are not about positioning for power, but about saving the soul of the party. “This isn’t about 2027. It’s about whether the SDP can still stand as a credible political alternative for Nigerians,” he said.
Insiders say the state chairmen’s united front reflects a broader grassroots sentiment against centralized leadership and lack of fiscal transparency at the national level. Some political analysts also believe the development could reshape power dynamics within the party, as members seek a fresh leadership style rooted in inclusivity and accountability.
While Gabam has yet to issue an official response, political observers expect further statements and possibly legal or internal challenges in the coming days.
As the dust settles, all eyes are now on the acting leadership to see whether they will heed the call for a NEC meeting—and whether this marks a genuine turning point or just the start of a prolonged internal battle.
Punch Newspaper
