The Social Democratic Party (SDP) has expelled its former national chairman, Shehu Gabam, alongside several top officials, over allegations of gross misconduct, financial misappropriation, and abuse of office.
The decision, announced on Thursday in Abuja, followed the adoption of a white paper and the final report of an independent disciplinary committee by the party’s National Working Committee (NWC). The expulsion, which takes immediate effect, marks the culmination of months of internal investigations and disciplinary proceedings.
According to Rufus Aiyenigba, the party’s national publicity secretary, the disciplinary action was aimed at restoring “integrity, discipline, and internal order within the SDP.” He said the NWC’s decision was unanimous and fully in line with the party’s constitution.
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Gabam’s expulsion, along with that of National Youth Leader Chukwuma Uchechukwu and National Auditor Clarkson Nnadi, follows an earlier suspension on June 24, 2025, after a prima facie case of misconduct and financial impropriety was established against them.
“To ensure due process, the party constituted an independent disciplinary committee on July 4, 2025,” Aiyenigba explained. “The committee conducted a two-week investigation and submitted its report on July 18. The NWC reviewed and adopted the white paper on August 15, paving the way for their expulsion.”
In addition to Gabam and Uchechukwu, other expelled members include Adamu Abubakar Modibbo, Abubakar Dogara, Nuraddeen Bisalla, Solsuema Osaro, Ambo Ekpeyong, Eluwa Ifeanyi Henry, Humphrey Unwukaeze, and Judith Israel Shuaibu.
Aiyenigba said the expelled officials were also accused of disloyalty and unauthorized entry into the party’s national secretariat on July 28, where they were allegedly caught by security operatives with sensitive documents and valuables belonging to the party. He confirmed that the individuals are currently facing criminal prosecution for their actions.
“The party will not tolerate any act of sabotage or indiscipline,” Aiyenigba stressed. “These individuals undermined the integrity of the SDP and attempted to destabilize its operations. The NWC’s decision reflects our commitment to accountability and the rule of law within our party structure.”
He noted that beyond the expulsions, the party plans to implement several administrative reforms recommended in the white paper to prevent future breaches and strengthen institutional transparency.
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The SDP’s disciplinary process has been closely watched amid internal divisions and leadership tussles that have plagued the party in recent years. Political observers say the latest action could reshape the party’s leadership dynamics ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Aiyenigba concluded that the expulsions were necessary to “cleanse the system and restore public confidence in the SDP as a credible political platform.”
With Thursday’s decision, the party hopes to send a clear message that ethical conduct and loyalty remain non-negotiable values within its ranks.
