SDP crisis deepens as party expels National Chairman Gabam, Youth Leader, others

SDP crisis deepens as party expels National Chairman Gabam, Youth Leader, others

The Social Democratic Party (SDP) in Nigeria is currently engulfed in a deepening crisis following the expulsion of several top-ranking officials, including its National Chairman, Alhaji Shehu Musa Gabam, and the National Youth Leader, Mr. Ogbonna Chukwuma Uchechukwu.

This dramatic development stems from a series of allegations involving misconduct, financial irregularities, and abuse of office, which have rocked the party’s leadership and raised serious concerns about its internal governance.

The decision to expel these officials was reached by the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) after months of investigation and disciplinary proceedings. The process began with the suspension of Gabam, Uchechukwu, and the National Auditor, Mr. Clarkson Nnadi, on June 24, 2025, based on a prima facie case of misconduct and financial impropriety. 

To ensure transparency and due process, the party established an independent Disciplinary Committee on July 4, 2025. This committee conducted a two-week investigation and submitted its findings on July 18, 2025. The NWC subsequently reviewed and adopted the committee’s White Paper on August 15, which laid the groundwork for the final decision announced on October 23, 2025.

In addition to Gabam and Uchechukwu, Mr. Clarkson Nnadi was relieved of his duties following a voluntary resignation. Eight other members were also expelled for alleged disloyalty and unauthorized entry into the party’s national secretariat on July 28, 2025.

These individuals include Adamu Abubakar Modibbo, Abubakar Dogara, Nuraddeen Bisalla, Solsuema Osaro, Ambo Ekpeyong, Eluwa Ifeanyi Henry, Humphrey Unwukaeze, and Judith Israel Shuaibu.

Speaking at the party’s National Secretariat, the National Publicity Secretary, Mr. Rufus Aiyenigba, emphasized that the expulsions were necessary to restore discipline and integrity within the SDP. He stated that the decisions were unanimously adopted by the NWC and would take immediate effect. Aiyenigba also noted that the party would implement additional administrative reforms recommended in the White Paper to strengthen its internal governance and reaffirmed the SDP’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and adherence to its constitution.

This sweeping purge marks a significant turning point for the SDP, as it attempts to navigate internal turmoil and reestablish credibility ahead of future political engagements.