The 36 state chairmen of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) and their Federal Capital Territory (FCT) counterpart have called for the immediate constitution of the party’s Board of Trustees (BoT) to strengthen internal checks, promote transparency, and enhance collective leadership.
Addressing journalists in Abuja, Chairman of the Forum of State Chairmen, Femi Olaniyi, said the BoT, being the conscience of any political party, should be inaugurated without delay to promote accountability and stability within the SDP.
Olaniyi recalled that the forum had earlier supported the suspension of former National Chairman, Alhaji Shehu Gabam, and other officials following investigations into alleged financial and administrative irregularities.
He explained that the party’s Disciplinary Committee, chaired by Air Vice Marshal Abubakar Sadia Liman (mni), had submitted its report to the National Working Committee (NWC), which was subsequently reviewed and released in a White Paper.
According to Olaniyi, the forum fully supports the decisions taken by the NWC after considering the committee’s findings, adding that the position of the state chairmen was informed by the participation of their representative on the disciplinary panel, Mr. Kingsley Agbo, who serves as the SDP chairman in Ebonyi State.
He also urged relevant authorities to look into issues raised in the report and ensure due process in addressing them.
The forum reaffirmed its confidence in the Acting National Chairman, Professor Sadiq Abubakar Gombe, the National Secretary, Dr. Olu Agunloye, and other members of the NWC.
“We pass a vote of confidence in the NWC and call on all well-meaning Nigerians to join us in building a party that upholds social justice and a better life for all citizens,” Olaniyi said.
He dismissed claims that the SDP was unwilling to accommodate new members, describing such views as inaccurate. According to him, the party remains open to collaboration and inclusivity aimed at strengthening democracy and national development.
The renewed call comes amid ongoing internal restructuring within the SDP.
Last week, the NWC announced disciplinary actions against some national officers following investigations into alleged misconduct and breaches of the party’s constitution.
Reading a communiqué at the party’s national secretariat, National Publicity Secretary, Rufus Aiyenigba, said the decision followed the adoption of the Disciplinary Committee’s report and the White Paper that reviewed its findings and recommendations.
Those affected include Alhaji Shehu Musa Gabam, former National Chairman; Mr. Ogbonna Chukwuma Uchechukwu, former National Youth Leader; and Mr. Clarkson Nnadi, former National Auditor (who had earlier resigned), among others sanctioned for alleged acts of indiscipline and procedural violations.
The SDP leadership emphasized that the disciplinary measures were part of ongoing efforts to restore order, enhance transparency, and reposition the party ahead of future elections.
