The Shehu Gabam-led faction of Social Democratic Party (SDP) on Wednesday expelled members of the Sadiq Gombe-led National Working Committee (NWC) from the party over alleged gross violations of party constitution and anti-party activities.
Their expulsion was announced at the Gabam-led faction’s national convention and presidential primary held in Abuja.
Those expelled by the convention include: Dr Olu Agunloye, Adewole Adebayo, Dr Sadiq Gombe, Joseph Achile, Mariam Batubo and Sa’adatu Abdullahi.
Other are: Rufus Ayienigba, Mr Abimbola Aderemi, Oguchukwu Uba, Huseesini Bello, Alabi Lekan, Rosemary Effiong and Abubakar Modibo.
The Gombe-led SDP NWC had held its own national convention in Bauchi on May 9, where Adebayo was elected as its presidential candidate.
In his opening remarks, Gabam expressed gratitude to God for the party’s survival from the recent political challenges.
He described SDP as a people-oriented political party, founded on commitment, discipline, inclusiveness and strong democratic ideals aimed at promoting national development and stability.
Gabam noted that the party had faced numerous man-made challenges, adding, however, that it remained calm, lawful and focused.
He attributed the restoration of stability into the party to divine intervention.
According to him, relevant institutions, including the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the judiciary and security agencies, were recently informed about the irregularities affecting the party.
Gabam said that party leaders maintained decorum throughout the crisis to protect the integrity and credibility of the platform they collectively sacrificed years to build nationally.
According to him, SDP remains one of Nigeria’s most recognised opposition parties because of its consistency, objectivity and commitment to democratic principles over time.
The chairman said internal crises often strengthened political parties by exposing weaknesses, unlike parties existing only in name without genuine political structures.
He expressed confidence that the party had emerged stronger, more organised and better positioned to advance its programmes and political objectives across the country.
Gabam commended party chairmen, vice-chairmen and stakeholders for setting aside differences and demonstrating unity during one of the party’s most difficult political periods.
He, however, said that the party remained open to genuine members willing to return, stressing that SDP would not victimise such individuals in spite of the recent disagreements and controversies.
He said that the party had invested heavily in building functional structures, including state offices and administrative systems, to maintain credibility and organisational efficiency.
Gabam stated that SDP previously ranked among Nigeria’s best political parties due to its compliance with INEC regulations and consistent maintenance of transparent financial and administrative procedures.
He said that the allegations against the party were currently under investigation, adding that all necessary documents had already been submitted to the police.
The chairman maintained that all party operations and departmental activities received proper approvals, insisting that no financial or administrative wrongdoing occurred under his leadership.
He said that the petitioner benefitted from previous decisions and also served as chairman during the period under investigation by authorities.
Gabam described the allegations as attempts to blackmail and destabilise the party but added that the process had ultimately strengthened transparency and public confidence within the party.
