The embattled National Chairman of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Alhaji Shehu Gabam, has rejected reports of his expulsion from the party, describing the action as “illegal, null, and void.”
Gabam, who was purportedly expelled on Thursday, October 23, alongside the National Youth Leader, Dr. Ogbonna Uchechukwu, and several others, alleged that the move was orchestrated by impostors seeking to destabilise the party.
In a statement released in Abuja on Friday by his Special Assistant (Legal), Abubakar Baba, Gabam declared that the meeting which announced his expulsion was unconstitutional and had no legal standing under the party’s framework.
Citing Article 13 (iv) of the SDP Constitution, Baba emphasised that only the National Chairman is empowered to preside over meetings of the National Convention, National Executive Committee, National Working Committee, and National Caucus.
“The said meeting is illegal, null, and void. Any meeting convened or presided over without the consent of the duly recognised chairman constitutes a gross violation of the party’s constitution and an attempt to usurp legitimate authority,” the statement read.
Gabam’s camp further alleged that the so-called disciplinary meeting was held without proper authorisation and was led by individuals not recognised within the SDP’s legitimate structure.
The statement also criticised Dr. Olu Agunloye, the National Secretary, for allegedly forwarding the outcome of the “illegal meeting” to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), calling it a breach of Part 2 (12) 3 of the INEC Regulations and Guidelines for Political Parties (2022).
According to Baba, INEC’s records still list Alhaji Shehu Gabam as the duly elected National Chairman of the SDP.
“The purported suspension of the chairman and other members of the party is null and void and of no effect whatsoever,” he added.
The statement also discredited Dr. Sadiq, who reportedly chaired the expulsion meeting, claiming he was “neither a member of the SDP nor of its National Executive Committee.”
“The public is advised to disregard the actions of the Sadiq-led group. They are impostors and will be held accountable under the law,” it concluded.
Gabam’s faction described the move as a politically motivated attempt to weaken his leadership ahead of the party’s next national convention.
However, in a conflicting statement, the SDP’s National Publicity Secretary, Rufus Aiyenigba, insisted that Gabam’s expulsion followed months of investigation and disciplinary proceedings.
“The decision was the outcome of careful investigations into allegations of misconduct, financial misappropriation, and abuse of office,” Aiyenigba told journalists, adding that the National Working Committee (NWC) acted within its constitutional authority.
Factional Rift Deepens
The development has further deepened the division within the SDP.
While Gabam’s loyalists maintain that his expulsion is unconstitutional, several state chairmen have publicly backed the decision, citing misconduct and poor financial management.
Despite the controversy, Gabam’s camp insists he remains the lawfully recognised national chairman and reaffirmed his commitment to strengthening the SDP and upholding democratic principles.
“The Alhaji Gabam leadership remains focused on building the party and promoting internal order in partnership with dedicated members,” the statement affirmed.
The latest crisis marks a continuation of internal disputes, following Gabam’s earlier suspension in June, which he similarly described as illegal.
The renewed power struggle has polarised both the National Working Committee and the National Executive Council, threatening to derail the party’s preparations for upcoming elections.
