The National Chairman of Social Democratic Party (SDP), Alhaji Shehu Gabam and two national working committee (NWC) members have been suspended over allegations of gross financial misconduct.
According to a statement signed by the National Publicity Secretary, Araba Rufus Aiyenigba, the decision followed a resolution of a meeting of the National Working Committee where overwhelming evidences were presented linking the suspended officials to a series of unauthorized financial transactions, personal enrichment schemes, and movement of funds from the party’s accounts without necessary approvals of the NWC.
Aiyenigba said the action of the NWC to suspend the National Chairman and two others involved in the gross financial misconduct is to demonstrate to the general public that SDP, generally esteemed by Nigerians as a disciplined party and a credible alternative political platform for national redemption, has zero tolerance for corruption and abuse of office.
“In exercise of its exclusive powers as guaranteed in Article 19.1; 19.3(i) and 19.5 of the Party Constitution (2022 as Amended), the National Working Committee (NWC) of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) has approved the immediate suspension of the National Chairman of the Party, Alhaji Shehu Musa Gabam, along with two members of the National Working Committee (NWC), namely: Nze Nnadi Clarkson, National Auditor, and Uchechukwu Chukwuma, National Youth Leader, over grave allegations of gross financial misconduct, embezzlement, misappropriation, and diversion of party funds.
“The decision to suspend the National Chairman and other implicated NWC members is to allow for a thorough, investigation. Our integrity as a political party must be upheld at all times,” the statement read.
An interim investigative panel has been constituted to audit all financial records and recommend further disciplinary or legal actions.
In the interim, the Deputy National Chairman, Dr. Sadiq Umar Abubakar has been directed to assume leadership of the party pending the outcome of the investigations.
The misappropriated funds amount to hundreds of millions of naira, including donations and resources realised from the sales of nomination forms in the 2023 general elections and other funds from the party accounts.
The party spokesman said the suspension of has been communicated to the Independent Electoral Commission (INEC), and all relevant anti- graft agencies and security agencies have been formally notified.
“The suspension of Alhaji Shehu Musa Gabam, Nze Nnadi Clarkson, and Uchechukwu Chukwuma takes immediate effect,” he added.
