Breaking: SDP Suspends National Chairman Gabam, Auditor, and Youth Leader Over Financial Misconduct

Shehu Gabam

The National Working Committee (NWC) of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) has announced the immediate suspension of the party’s National Chairman, Shehu Gabam, along with two top officials—National Auditor Nnadi Clarkson and National Youth Leader Chukwuma Uchechukwu—over serious allegations of financial misconduct, embezzlement, and unauthorized diversion of party funds.

The suspension was confirmed in a statement released by the SDP’s National Publicity Secretary, Araba Rufus Aiyenigba, and made available to Vanguard.

According to the statement, the decision followed resolutions reached by the NWC after overwhelming evidence was presented linking the suspended officials to multiple unauthorized financial transactions, personal enrichment schemes, and unapproved movement of funds from the party’s accounts.

The scandal reportedly surfaced when it was discovered that the National Chairman had submitted an unauthorized financial statement to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), as required of all political parties. A summary of the alleged fraudulent financial report was also published in national newspapers. Upon discovering the discrepancies, the NWC resolved to escalate the matter to appropriate law enforcement agencies.

Aiyenigba emphasized that the party’s move to suspend the implicated officials underscores its commitment to transparency and accountability, stating, “This action demonstrates to the Nigerian public that the SDP, widely regarded as a disciplined and credible alternative political platform, has zero tolerance for corruption and abuse of office.”

He added that the suspension is to enable a comprehensive investigation, saying, “Our integrity as a political party must be preserved at all times.”

An interim investigative panel has been established to audit the party’s financial records and recommend further disciplinary or legal actions as necessary.

In the meantime, Dr. Sadiq Umar Abubakar, the Deputy National Chairman (North), has assumed the role of Acting National Chairman in line with the party’s constitution.

Aiyenigba further disclosed that the alleged misappropriated funds run into hundreds of millions of naira, including donations and proceeds from the sale of nomination forms during the 2023 general elections, as well as other party funds.

The suspensions of Shehu Gabam, Nnadi Clarkson, and Chukwuma Uchechukwu have been officially communicated to INEC and other relevant authorities.

Vanguard

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