. Acting national chair appointed
Allegations of financial misconduct and misappropriation of party funds currently rocking the Social Democratic Party, on Tuesday, culminated in the suspension of its National Chairman, Shehu Gabam.
Alongside Gabam, the SDP also suspended its National Auditor, Nnadi Clarkson, and National Youth Leader, Chukwuma Uchechukwu.
SDP National Publicity Secretary, Araba Aiyenigba, announced this decision in a statement on Tuesday.
“The suspended officials were linked to a series of unauthorised financial transactions, personal enrichment schemes, and diversion of funds without NWC approval,” the statement said.
Aiyenigba accused Gabam of submitting an unauthorised financial statement to INEC and publishing a summary in newspapers. This he said prompted the party to alert law enforcement agencies.
“This action reinforces our zero-tolerance stance on corruption,” he added.
The party disclosed that for a thorough investigation, it has set up an interim panel to audit all financial records and recommend appropriate disciplinary or legal steps.
Meanwhile, the Deputy National Chairman (North), Sadiq Abubakar, has been appointed Acting National Chairman in line with the party’s constitution.
SDP claimed that the mismanaged funds run into hundreds of millions of naira, including proceeds from the 2023 nomination form sales and donations.
The statement added that INEC and relevant agencies have already been officially notified of the suspension of Gabam and other affected officials, which takes immediate effect.
