- the invitation reportedly affected all members of the NWC and was connected to the ongoing leadership dispute within the party
- He alleged that the petition involved financial misconduct claims amounting to ₦626 million
- Gombe maintained that individuals facing disciplinary action within the party had been given opportunities to defend themselves
The internal leadership crisis within the Social Democratic Party (SDP) has intensified following reports that members of the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) were invited by the police over an alleged attempt to take control of the party’s national secretariat in Abuja.
Eko Hot Blog gathered that SDP National Chairman, Sadiq Gombe, confirmed the development on Saturday, saying he had been informed about the invitation even though he had not personally received any official notice.
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According to him, the invitation reportedly affected all members of the NWC and was connected to the ongoing leadership dispute within the party.
“I was informed that the police invited members of the SDP leadership over the failed move to take over the party headquarters. Although I did not receive a personal invitation, I understand all NWC members were included and we are prepared to cooperate,” he said.
Gombe stated that the party had earlier petitioned the Inspector-General of Police regarding allegations involving the party’s expelled former national chairman, Shehu Gabam.
He alleged that the petition involved financial misconduct claims amounting to ₦626 million and said the matter had been under review for months without visible action.
According to him, follow-up letters were also sent to the police hierarchy after the initial petition.
The SDP chairman further expressed dissatisfaction over what he described as the lack of progress by security agencies despite petitions submitted to the police, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission and the Department of State Services.
Gombe maintained that individuals facing disciplinary action within the party had been given opportunities to defend themselves before a disciplinary committee chaired by Sadiq Lima but allegedly declined to appear.
He said the panel sat for 14 days at the party headquarters before its findings were reviewed by a white paper committee, which later recommended expulsion.
According to him, the disciplinary process followed constitutional procedures and was not driven by personal interests.
Gombe also dismissed suggestions that the Independent National Electoral Commission could determine the party’s leadership, arguing that internal party matters remain the responsibility of party members.
He cited previous Supreme Court rulings which, according to him, affirmed the autonomy of political parties in handling their internal affairs.
The latest development adds to the deepening leadership struggle in the SDP following competing claims over the party’s legitimate leadership structure.
The crisis escalated after Gabam, whose removal remains disputed, reportedly arrived at the party secretariat in Abuja with armed security personnel in an effort to reclaim control.
The dispute further widened in October 2025 after Gabam, Uchechukwu and the party’s National Auditor, Clarkson Nnadi, were expelled over allegations bordering on misconduct and financial irregularities.
