Security Agents Take Over SDP Secretariat Amid Leadership Tussle
A joint team of operatives from the Nigeria Police Force and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) on Tuesday took over the national secretariat of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) in Abuja following a deepening leadership crisis.
The development came after a faction of the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) announced the suspension of the National Chairman, Alhaji Shehu Musa Gabam, over alleged financial misconduct, embezzlement, and diversion of party funds.
Also suspended were the National Auditor, Nze Nnadi Clarkson, and the National Youth Leader, Uchechukwu Chukwuma.
In a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Araba Rufus Aiyenigba, the faction said the suspensions were in line with Articles 19.1, 19.3(i), and 19.5 of the party’s 2022 constitution (as amended).
The statement alleged that an NWC meeting produced overwhelming evidence linking the affected officials to unauthorised financial transactions and personal enrichment schemes involving party accounts.
“To uphold the integrity of our party and demonstrate zero tolerance for corruption, the NWC has approved their immediate suspension and constituted an interim investigative panel to audit all financial records and recommend further disciplinary or legal actions,” Aiyenigba said.
He added that the suspensions had been formally communicated to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), as well as anti-graft and security agencies.
However, the situation took another twist after INEC raised concerns about procedural compliance.
In a letter obtained by The Guardian and signed by the Commission’s Acting Secretary, Halliru Aminu, INEC noted that the notice of the NWC meeting was not jointly signed by the National Chairman and the National Secretary, as stipulated in the 2022 Regulations and Guidelines for Political Parties.
INEC also requested verification of the signature on the document submitted to it.
Titilope Adako is a talented and intrepid journalist, dedicated to shedding light on the untold stories of Osun State and Nigeria. Through incisive reporting, she tackles a broad spectrum of topics, from politics and social justice to culture and entertainment, with a commitment to accuracy, empathy, and inspiring positive change.
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