SDP Suspends National Chairman Two Others Over Alleged Diversion Of Party Funds

The Social Democratic Party (SDP) has suspended its national chairman, Shehu Gabam

The party accused Gabam of financial misconduct.

Gabam was suspended alongside Nnadi Clarkson, national auditor, and Uchechukwu Chukwuma, national youth leader.

A statement on Tuesday by Rufus Aiyenigba, SDP’s national publicity secretary, said the suspensions were based on grave allegations of embezzlement, misappropriation, and diversion of party funds.

He said the decision was taken under articles 19.1, 19.3(i), and 19.5 of the party’s 2022 constitution (as amended).

“The national working committee of the Social Democratic Party has approved the immediate suspension of Alhaji Shehu Musa Gabam, the national chairman, along with Nze Nnadi Clarkson and Uchechukwu Chukwuma, over grave allegations of gross financial misconduct, embezzlement, misappropriation and diversion of party funds,” the statement read.

Aiyenigba said the decision followed a resolution reached at a meeting of the NWC where “overwhelming evidence” was presented against the three officials.

He said the suspended leaders were linked to unauthorised financial transactions, personal enrichment schemes, and the movement of funds from party accounts without the necessary approval of the NWC.

“This action is to demonstrate to the general public that the SDP — generally esteemed by Nigerians as a disciplined and credible alternative political platform — has zero tolerance for corruption and abuse of office,” he added.

“The suspension is to allow for a thorough investigation. Our integrity as a political party must be upheld at all times.”

Aiyenigba said an interim panel has been constituted to audit the party’s financial records and recommend further disciplinary or legal steps.

The party said Sadiq Umar Abubakar, deputy national chairman, has been directed to take over as acting chairman.

Aiyenigba said the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), anti-graft agencies, and security agencies have been formally notified of the suspensions.

The trio could not be reached for comments and had not reacted as of press time.

SDP Suspends National Chairman Two Others Over Alleged Diversion Of Party Funds is first published on The Whistler Newspaper