SDP Suspends National Chairman Over Financial Misconduct

SDP Suspends National Chairman, Others Over Financial Misconduct Allegations.
Party says suspension allows for thorough investigation.
Mismanaged funds amount to hundreds of millions of naira.

The Social Democratic Party (SDP) has suspended its National Chairman, Shehu Gabam, over allegations of financial misconduct. Also suspended are Nnadi Clarkson, the National Auditor, and Chukwuma Uchechukwu, the National Youth Leader.

EDITOR’S PICKS

Epe Council Chairman Urges Massive Voter Turnout Ahead of July 12 Election
‘You Crossed the Line’ – Iran Slams U.S, Israel Over Nuclear Attacks, Seeks Urgent Talks with Russia
Favour Ofili Reportedly Dumps Nigeria for Turkey Ahead of World Championships

EKO HOT BLOG reports that the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Araba Rufus Aiyenigba, made this known in a statement on Tuesday, June 25, 2025. He explained that the decision followed allegations of gross financial misconduct, including embezzlement, misappropriation, and diversion of party funds.

According to Aiyenigba, the suspension is aimed at creating room for a thorough investigation into the financial activities of the affected officials. He noted that the Deputy National Chairman (North), Sadiq Umar Abubakar, will now lead the party in an acting capacity, in line with the SDP Constitution.

The party said it has officially notified the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and other relevant agencies about the suspensions.

Aiyenigba stated that the decision was based on resolutions by the National Working Committee (NWC), where substantial evidence linked the suspended officials to unauthorised financial transactions and the illegal movement of funds from the party’s accounts. He further revealed that the issue came to light when Gabam reportedly submitted an unauthorised financial statement to INEC and also published a questionable financial report in the newspapers.

The NWC described the suspension as a step to uphold the party’s integrity and demonstrate its zero tolerance for corruption. An interim investigative panel has been set up to audit the party’s financial records and recommend further disciplinary or legal actions.

The party said the mismanaged funds run into hundreds of millions of naira, including proceeds from the sales of nomination forms for the 2023 general elections.