SDP Chairman Shehu Gabam Insists He Remains Party Leader, Rejects Reported Expulsion
Shehu Gabam, the embattled National Chairman of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), has insisted that he remains the legitimate leader of the party, rejecting reports of his expulsion as “illegal, null and void.”
Gabam, along with the National Youth Leader, Ogbonna Uchechukwu, and other party officials, was reportedly expelled on Thursday.
In a statement issued on Friday in Abuja by his legal aide, Abubakar Baba, Gabam said the expulsion was unconstitutional and had no legal effect. The statement cited Article 13 (iv) of the SDP constitution, which gives only the national chairman the authority to preside over meetings of the national convention, national executive committee, national working committee, and national caucus.
“Any meeting convened or presided over without the consent of the duly recognized chairman constitutes a gross violation of the constitution and a brazen attempt to usurp legitimate authority,” the statement read.
Baba also accused the party’s national secretary, Olu Agunloye, of breaching INEC regulations by allegedly notifying the commission of the disputed meeting’s decisions. A certified true copy from INEC confirming Gabam as the recognized chairman was attached as evidence.
The statement further challenged the authority of Sadiq, who chaired the meeting announcing the expulsion, saying he “was neither a member of the party nor of its national executive committee and thus had no authority to preside over any of its meetings.” Gabam’s camp urged the public to disregard the actions of the “Dr Sadiq-led group,” describing them as impostors who would face legal consequences.
Meanwhile, the SDP’s national publicity secretary, Rufus Aiyenigba, stated that Gabam’s expulsion followed months of investigation and disciplinary proceedings aimed at restoring discipline and accountability within the party.
Gabam’s team reaffirmed his leadership, stressing that the SDP remains committed to “upholding the rule of law, maintaining internal order, and protecting the integrity and reputation of the party,” while focusing on building the party and promoting Nigeria’s democratic ideals in partnership with loyal members.
