The Social Democratic Party (SDP) has suspended its National Chairman, Alhaji Shehu Musa Gabam, over allegations of gross financial misconduct, embezzlement, misappropriation, and diversion of party funds.
Also suspended are the National Auditor, Nze Nnadi Clarkson, and the National Youth Leader, Uchechukwu Ogbonna Chukwuma.
The decision was announced in a statement issued by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Araba Rufus Aiyenigba.
According to the statement, the suspension followed a resolution of the party’s National Working Committee (NWC), which considered overwhelming evidence linking the trio to unauthorized financial transactions, personal enrichment schemes, and diversion of funds from the party’s accounts without due approval.
Aiyenigba stated that the suspensions are to enable a full-scale investigation into the alleged infractions.
“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.
He added that an interim investigative panel has been constituted to audit all financial records and recommend further disciplinary or legal action as necessary.
In the interim, the Deputy National Chairman (North), Dr. Sadiq Umar Abubakar, has assumed leadership of the party as Acting National Chairman, in accordance with the SDP Constitution.
The party also confirmed that the suspensions have been communicated to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and other relevant agencies. The action takes immediate effect.