The Social Democratic Party (SDP) has expelled its former National Chairman, Alhaji Shehu Musa Gabam, and the party’s National Youth Leader, Mr. Ogbonna Uchechukwu, over allegations of misconduct, financial misappropriation, and abuse of office.
The decision was announced on Thursday in Abuja after a meeting of the party’s National Working Committee (NWC). According to the SDP, the action followed months of investigation and internal disciplinary proceedings.
Speaking at a press briefing held at the party’s National Secretariat, the National Publicity Secretary, Mr. Rufus Aiyenigba, said the NWC’s decision was based on the findings and recommendations of an independent Disciplinary Committee and a White Paper review that examined allegations brought against the affected officials.
Aiyenigba recalled that the NWC had earlier suspended Gabam, Uchechukwu, and the party’s National Auditor, Mr. Clarkson Nnadi, on June 24, 2025, after a prima facie case of misconduct and financial irregularities was established against them.
“To ensure fairness and due process, the NWC on July 4, 2025, constituted an independent Disciplinary Committee to investigate the allegations. The committee completed its work within two weeks and submitted its report on July 18, 2025,” he explained.
He said the party reviewed the committee’s findings and adopted a White Paper on August 15, 2025, which led to the final decision to expel the affected members.
Those expelled from the party include Alhaji Shehu Musa Gabam, former National Chairman, and Mr. Ogbonna Chukwuma Uchechukwu, former National Youth Leader. The National Auditor, Mr. Clarkson Nnadi, was relieved of his duties following his voluntary resignation before the conclusion of the process.
Aiyenigba also disclosed that eight other members were dismissed for acts of disloyalty and unlawful activities. They are Adamu Abubakar Modibbo, Abubakar Dogara, Nuraddeen Bisalla, Solsuema Osaro, Ambo Ekpeyong, Eluwa Ifeanyi Henry, Humphrey Unwukaeze, and Judith Israel Shuaibu.
According to the SDP spokesperson, the eight were accused of breaking into the party’s national secretariat in Abuja on July 28, 2025. He alleged that they were caught by security operatives in possession of sensitive party documents and valuables taken from the premises, adding that they are already facing criminal prosecution.
“Their actions were not only unlawful but also damaging to the integrity and image of our great party,” Aiyenigba stated. “This decision became necessary to restore discipline, order, and integrity within the Social Democratic Party.”
He added that other recommendations contained in the White Paper would soon be implemented to strengthen the party’s internal control systems and prevent similar incidents in the future.
“This decision is not about personal issues. It is about protecting the soul of our party and ensuring that the SDP remains a credible political platform for Nigerians,” he said.
The SDP, which is one of Nigeria’s oldest political parties, has in recent years faced internal divisions and leadership disputes. The party, originally revived ahead of the 2019 general elections, has struggled to maintain unity among its national and state executives.
Alhaji Gabam, who was elected National Chairman in 2022, previously served as Chief of Staff to former Niger State Governor Babangida Aliyu. His leadership came under criticism within the party following disagreements over finances, alleged lack of transparency, and handling of the party’s national secretariat.
While the expelled members have not immediately responded to the development, sources within the party say they may challenge their removal in court.
For now, the SDP leadership insists that the action is final and that the party is focused on rebuilding its structures across the country ahead of the next general elections.
“Our message is clear,” Aiyenigba said. “The SDP will not tolerate indiscipline or acts that undermine our collective vision for a just and democratic Nigeria. The era of impunity is over.”
