SDP chairman Shehu Gabam rejects suspension claims, alleges internal sabotage

National Chairman of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Shehu Gabam, has firmly rejected claims of his suspension, maintaining that he remains in full control of the party’s affairs.

Speaking at the party’s national secretariat in Abuja on Tuesday, Gabam dismissed the suspension notice issued by a faction of the party’s National Working Committee (NWC), describing it as a “desperate, illegal plot” to destabilise the party ahead of the 2027 general elections.

“There was no such meeting of the NWC. No individual has the power to remove a sitting chairman without following due process. It’s clear that this is an attempt to create confusion,” Gabam stated.

The SDP chairman alleged that the purported suspension was both unconstitutional and politically motivated, orchestrated by individuals without the legal or moral authority to act.

Gabam spoke shortly after receiving members of the NWC who visited him in a show of solidarity, further reinforcing his claim of continued leadership.

He also criticised a letter submitted to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) by the opposing faction, calling it fraudulent and unrepresentative of the party’s actual standing.

“This is not the first time that powerful forces have tried to weaken the SDP. I’ve survived attempts on my life. These are sponsored attacks — both from within and outside,” Gabam claimed.

Addressing allegations of financial misconduct, Gabam declared he had nothing to hide and was open to scrutiny.

“Our accounts have been audited by INEC, reviewed by external auditors, and published in national newspapers. Every kobo spent was documented,” he asserted.

He further appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to ensure security agencies are not used as political tools to intimidate opposition or interfere in party affairs.

“If we want democracy to thrive, we must not allow politicians to use security agencies as tools for political witch-hunts,” Gabam warned.