By Abubakar Yunusa
A political storm has erupted within the Social Democratic Party as the Forum of State Chairmen on Sunday hailed the dismissal and expulsion of the party’s former National Chairman, Alhaji Shehu Gabam, describing it as “a long overdue corrective surgery.”
Addressing journalists at the party’s national secretariat in Abuja, the Forum’s Chairman, Mr Femi Olaniyi (popularly known as Ferrari), said the move would restore credibility, stability and public trust in the SDP ahead of the 2027 general elections.
“The decision brings us joy. It will stabilise our party and prove to Nigerians that the SDP remains a credible alternative,” Olaniyi declared.
The Forum accused Gabam and a former National Youth Speaker, Ogbonna Uchechukwu, of gross financial misconduct and constitutional violations.
According to them, nearly ₦1 billion — 75 per cent of which allegedly belonged to the state chapters — was embezzled under Gabam’s leadership.
They called on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Nigeria Police to immediately investigate the alleged diversion and recover the missing funds.
“We cannot forgo our money,” Olaniyi warned. “If necessary, we will take legal action to recover what belongs to the states.”
The chairmen further accused Gabam of “commercialising the party” and living a flamboyant lifestyle beyond his means, which they claimed was sustained by “crass kleptomania and political profiteering.”
They alleged that the sacked chairman had entered secret alliances with elements of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in a bid to hijack the SDP for “selfish political bargaining.”
“Never again shall such an unworthy character be allowed to cast his unstable shadow on the SDP,” the Forum vowed.
The chairmen commended the Disciplinary Committee led by Air Vice Marshal Abubakar Sadia Liman (mni) for its transparent investigation, as well as the National Working Committee (NWC) for publishing a White Paper on the case.
They unanimously passed a vote of confidence on the Acting National Chairman, Professor Sadiq Abubakar Gombe, and the National Secretary, Dr Olu Agunloye, praising their “firm and courageous leadership.”
The Forum also urged the immediate constitution of the party’s Board of Trustees to ensure stronger internal checks and uphold transparency.
“We stand with the NWC. Let us serve Nigerians and retire selfish interests once and for all,” Olaniyi said.
Reaffirming the SDP’s commitment to social justice, good governance and accountability, the Forum called on well-meaning Nigerians to join the ongoing rebuilding efforts.
They dismissed insinuations that the party was hostile to new members, insisting that sincerity and discipline remained the only criteria for membership.
“We must rebuild this party for the people,” Olaniyi concluded.
“Democracy is too important to be left in the hands of the corrupt.”
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