These are not the best of times for the leaders of the Social Democratic Party (SDP). The party has been going through a lot of storm in the last few months and this has thrown the party into a big crisis of immense proportion.
What has worsened the situation was the event that happened last week Tuesday when the SDP leadership suspended the National Chairman,
Alhaji Shehu Musa Gabam, alongside National Auditor, Nze Nnadi Clarkson and National Youth Leader, Uchechukwu Chukwuma, over allegations of gross financial misconduct,.
The announcement was made by SDP spokesperson, Araba Rufus Aiyenigba.
The suspensions, effective immediately, were decided during a National Working Committee (NWC) meeting, citing the party’s constitutional powers. The NWC presented evidence of unauthorized financial transactions, personal enrichment schemes, and unapproved fund transfers linked to the trio.
The decision followed a turbulent day for the SDP, as protesters reportedly demolished the gate of the party’s National Secretariat in Wuse 2, Abuja, that day, amid a growing crisis within the party ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Many political analysts believe that the crisis the party has been facing over the years has arrested its development in many ways.
It is a party that has a rich history.
The Social Democratic Party (SDP) is a centre-left political party, founded in December 1989.
The SDP advocates for social democracy, focusing on improving welfare and fighting for social justice. Its manifesto emphasizes concerted efforts to unify the Nigerian people and give voice to their aspirations and desires.
The party was created alongside the National Republican Convention as part of a democracy project initiated by former Military President, Ibrahim Babangida. It has a history of winning elections, with notable members including Shehu Musa Yar’Adua, M.K.O. Abiola, and Bola Tinubu.
The party has faced internal conflicts, including a recent crisis surrounding the suspension of its national chairman, Alhaji Shehu Musa Gabam, over allegations of financial misconduct. Despite this, the South-East SDP chairmen have re-affirmed their confidence in Gabam’s leadership, describing him as a visionary committed to inclusive governance, political equity, and democratic accountability.
The party has a National Working Committee and various leadership positions, including a National Chairman, Deputy Chairman, and National Vice Chairman. Recent appointments include Chief Arinze Ekelem as National Deputy Chairman (South) and Prince Obinna Ekwebelem as National Vice Chairman (South-East).
The party’s performance in recent elections has been underwhelming, with Prince Adewole Adebayo’s presidential campaign in 2023 being particularly disappointing. The party is looking to regroup and find a new direction for the 2027 elections. But it has a lot of problems to resolve.
Some notable figures associated with the SDP include: Alhaji Shehu Musa Gabam the current National Chairman of the party, Chief Arinze Ekelem, National Deputy Chairman (South), Prince Obinna Ekwebelem, National Vice Chairman (South-East), Prince Adewole Adebayo: 2023 presidential candidate and Jerry Gana former member who returned to the party in 2018.
How can the crisis be resolved? Insiders say to resolve the crisis in the Social Democratic Party (SDP), several steps can be taken:
– Conduct a transparent and honest investigation into all allegations, ensuring the Disciplinary Committee or Investigation Panel has a free hand to do a thorough and fair investigation without interference.
– Allow the investigation body to follow the rule of law and due process, with findings made public without delay.
There is the need to restore accountability and transparency. Implement measures to restore accountability and transparency within the party, aligning with the sentiments expressed by grassroots members.
Ensure openness is vital in the SDP, upholding principles of social justice and zero tolerance for corruption.
The issue of financial mismanagement has to be addressed. Resolve issues related to financial mismanagement, including remitting state-allocated percentages to state chapters as outlined in the constitution.
– Implement a proper federal system for managing party finances, where state chapters collect finances before remitting portions to the national headquarters.
The need to establish clear leadership and communication channels within the party to prevent conflicts and ensure smooth operations.
Foster a culture of dialogue and collaboration among party members to prevent further crises.
Some have suggested the idea that external mediators or facilitators be brought in, to help resolve the crisis, if necessary.
So also there is the need to engage with relevant stakeholders, including security agencies and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), to ensure a peaceful resolution.
Gabam has denied the suspension, calling it “fake news” and stating that he remains the National Chairman of the SDP. He claims the decision to suspend him wasn’t taken at an official NWC meeting and is therefore illegal.
Following Gabam’s suspension, Dr. Sadiq Umar Abubakar, Deputy National Chairman (North), has been appointed acting National Chairman in line with the party’s constitution.
An interim investigative panel has been set up to audit all financial records of the party and recommend further disciplinary or legal action where necessary.
Despite the controversy, South-East SDP Chairmen have reaffirmed their confidence in Gabam’s leadership, describing him as a visionary committed to inclusive governance, political equity, and democratic accountability.
It’s worth noting that the crisis in the SDP is linked to a broader opposition coalition, with some members accusing Gabam’s leadership of financial impropriety and others supporting him.
Who are the exco members?
National Chairman: Alhaji Shehu Musa Gabam
National Deputy Chairman (South): Chief Arinze Ekelem, former South-East Zonal Chairman from Anambra State
National Vice Chairman (South-East): Prince Obinna Ekwebelem, former Zonal Secretary from Imo State
National Secretary: Dr. Olu Agunloye (status disputed due to recent controversy)
It’s worth noting that the party’s leadership has faced some challenges and controversies, with some members expressing confidence in Gabam’s leadership while others have raised concerns.
The South-East SDP Chairmen have reaffirmed their confidence in Alhaji Shehu Musa Gabam’s leadership, describing him as a visionary committed to inclusive governance, political equity, and democratic accountability. They welcomed recent appointments, including:
Chief Arinze Ekelem: Former South-East Zonal Chairman from Anambra State, now National Deputy Chairman (South)
Prince Obinna Ekwebelem: Former Zonal Secretary from Imo State, now National Vice Chairman (South-East)
The Chairmen noted that Gabam’s leadership has reinvigorated the party base in the South-East region
and restored confidence in the SDP’s future across the country, shown strategic direction: With unwavering commitment to democratic values
They urged party members to support Gabam’s leadership and work together to achieve the party’s national aspirations, emphasizing the importance of:
So who are those opposed to him?
Those opposed to Alhaji Shehu Musa Gabam’s leadership include:
Forum of State Chairmen. The group has thrown its weight behind Gabam’s suspension, citing allegations of financial misconduct and describing the decision as “bold and necessary” to protect the party’s integrity. They’ve also expressed dismay over the substantial funds allegedly misappropriated by unpatriotic officials, which has left state chapters struggling to pay office rent and other basic operations.
Prince Adewole Adebayo’s supporters: There were reports of violent clashes between supporters of Gabam and Adebayo at the party’s national secretariat in Abuja, indicating internal divisions within the party.
Can the El-Rufai coalition use SDP as a platform?
The opposition coalition is considering using the Social Democratic Party (SDP) as its platform for the 2027 general elections.
Former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai has thrown his weight behind the SDP, citing its history, legacy, and sentimental value as reasons why it’s the best platform for the coalition. He believes the party’s name and logo are “almost perfect”.
The coalition, led by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, and Rotimi Amaechi, is yet to make a final decision on adopting the SDP. El-Rufai’s endorsement notwithstanding, the coalition is also exploring the option of registering a new party.
But the League of Northern Democrats (LND) has suggested registering a new party, citing concerns about structural, legal, and ideological risks associated with merging into existing parties like the SDP. They believe a new party would provide a clean slate and a fresh narrative.
The National Chairman, Shehu Gabam is disputing his suspension and accusing the Coalition of trying to hijack the party’s structure. Gabam claims the coalition wants to take over the party’s National Working Committee ahead of the 2027 elections.
Using the SDP as a platform could provide the Coalition with an established party structure and potentially more resources. However, the party’s internal conflicts and potential resistance from existing party members might pose challenges.
So, while the SDP is a contender, the coalition’s final decision will depend on various factors, including its internal dynamics and the potential for a new party.
