Samuel Omang
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has affirmed Alhaji Shehu Musa Gabam as the legitimate National Chairman of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), effectively ending months of leadership tussle within the party.
Gabam, along with the party’s National Auditor, Nze Nnadi Clarkson, and National Youth Leader, Uchechukwu Chukwuma, had been suspended earlier by a faction of the National Working Committee (NWC) led by Dr. Abubakar Gombe over allegations of financial misconduct amounting to more than ₦1 billion. The suspension deepened the internal crisis, producing rival factions.
On Sunday, INEC clarified the matter in a letter addressed to the Commissioner of Police, Federal Capital Territory Command, Abuja. The correspondence, signed by the Commission’s Secretary, Rose Oriaran-Anthony, contained the authentic list of SDP National Executives as elected at the party’s June 8, 2022 national convention in Abuja, with Gabam listed as chairman.
The Commission’s recognition dealt a blow to the Gombe-led faction, which had sought to legitimize its leadership and disowned a political summit in Owerri allegedly backed by Gabam. The faction had described the summit as “illegal” and accused former Kaduna State governor, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, of plotting to force the SDP into a coalition with the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
Reacting to INEC’s decision, Gabam dismissed allegations of financial misconduct against him as “baseless and politically motivated.” He accused a “small faction,” allegedly led by former minister Dr. Olu Agunloye, of attempting to hijack the party.
“INEC, the only body legally empowered to recognise political party leadership in Nigeria, affirms Alhaji Shehu Musa Gabam as the legitimate and substantive National Chairman of the SDP,” Gabam declared.
He warned that any NEC meeting not convened by him remains invalid and stressed that the SDP is not in any coalition. “We are an independent political force committed to offering Nigerians a credible alternative,” he said.
The INEC clarification is expected to ease months of tension in the party, though factional disputes may linger. Gabam urged party members to remain calm, assuring that the SDP would continue its grassroots mobilisation and push for social justice and national development.