Financial misconduct:SDP sets up committee to probe suspended chairman

By Abubakar Yunusa

The Social Democratic Party (SDP) has inaugurated a five-man disciplinary committee to investigate its suspended National Chairman, Shehu Gabam, over allegations of financial misappropriation.

The inauguration ceremony took place in Abuja on Thursday, where the party’s acting National Chairman, Dr. Sadiq-Umar Abubakar, formally charged the committee with the responsibility of conducting a thorough and impartial probe.

Abubakar urged the panel to uphold the principles of natural justice, stressing that all accused individuals must be presumed innocent until proven otherwise.

“Let the law, good conscience, and equity be your guiding principles—not political considerations,” he told the committee. “Let the truth be your anchor.”

He further emphasised the importance of hearing all sides of the case, saying, “Obey the rule of law and observe natural justice, which essentially means that no one can be judged in their own case, and you must hear both sides thoroughly before coming to a finding.”

According to the acting chairman, the committee’s work must be conducted with “decorum, dignity and decency,” while maintaining a deep sense of accountability to both the party and the public.

“Always remember that your actions are accountable not only to the party and the public but ultimately to Almighty Allah, before whom we shall all give account on the Day of Judgement,” Abubakar added.

Also speaking at the event, SDP National Secretary Dr. Olu Agunloye highlighted the committee’s mandate, which includes investigating allegations of constitutional breaches and financial malfeasance that led to the suspension of Gabam and two others.

Dr. Agunloye said the panel would examine the party’s financial records and determine the process surrounding the submission of audited accounts to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

He gave the committee 14 days to complete its investigation and submit its findings.

Accepting the responsibility on behalf of the committee, Chairman Abubakar Sadiq Liman pledged to carry out the assignment with transparency and dedication.

“This is indeed a national duty,” Liman stated. “We pledge to put the integrity of the party first, taking it seriously with commitment.”

The SDP suspended Shehu Gabam on June 24 amid growing concerns over alleged financial mismanagement.

The members of the disciplinary committee include Liman S. Abubakar (Chairman), Pharm. Wafari Theman (North-East Vice Chairman), Dr. Kingsley Obinna Agbo (Ebonyi State Chairman), Hajiya Laila Mohammed (National Chieftain), and Barrister Williams Adelewa (Secretary).