SDP implodes over leadership appointments as internal power struggle erupts ahead of 2027
The Social Democratic Party (SDP), once praised as Nigeria’s only crisis-free opposition party, is now deeply embroiled in internal chaos following the controversial appointment of three new members to its National Working Committee (NWC).
The storm began after the party’s national publicity secretary, Araba Rufus Aiyenigba, issued a statement last week announcing the appointments of Senator Ugochukwu Uba (Deputy National Chairman, South), Dr. Sadiq Umar Abubakar (Deputy National Chairman, North), and Mr. Hussani Ado Bello (National Financial Secretary).
Aiyenigba stated that these appointments were made during an NWC meeting held on Thursday, May 15, 2025, and were in line with Article 12.5 of the SDP’s 2022 constitution (as amended).
Initially viewed as a bold strategic move to strengthen the party for the 2027 general elections, the announcement has since torn open a rift within the party’s top ranks.
Shockingly, Alhaji Shehu Musa Gabam, the national chairman who reportedly presided over the meeting, publicly denied that any such appointments took place. Speaking via the party’s deputy national secretary, Muhammad Biu, in Abuja on Monday, May 20, Gabam labeled the media reports as “false, unauthorized, and misleading,” asserting that no NWC session had formally convened to ratify the appointments.
“The National Executive remains committed to due process, internal democracy, and the inclusive participation of stakeholders from all geopolitical zones in any future restructuring efforts,” Gabam stated, while alleging attempts by unnamed individuals and political opponents to destabilize the party.
However, National Secretary Olu Agunloye countered Gabam’s claim, saying 11 out of 12 NWC members were present at the May 15 meeting and that eight voted in favor of the appointments. He accused Gabam, two other dissenting NWC members, and newly defected former Kaduna State Governor Mallam Nasir El-Rufai of orchestrating the crisis due to a loss of internal influence.
“Gabam and his allies are throwing tantrums because their choices were rejected by the majority,” Agunloye said. “El-Rufai amounts to nothing in his own ward and is now trying to hijack our internal processes.”
In a letter dated Friday, May 16, Agunloye officially informed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of the appointments, citing compliance with the party’s constitution and the June 8, 2022, National Convention mandate. The letter confirmed that the new appointments are to serve for four years or until the next National Convention, whichever comes first.
As conflicting narratives swirl from the party’s top officials, political observers say the SDP now finds itself in a similar bind as the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and Labour Party (LP), both of which have faced intense internal disputes since the 2023 general elections.
What was once touted as a model of opposition unity may now be unraveling into another cautionary tale of political ambition and power tussles—one that could undermine the SDP’s credibility as a serious contender in 2027.
