SDP in chaos as a letter of rejection Inec introduced the chairman of acting

The Social Democratic Party (SDP) currently faces a crisis of internal leadership after rejection by the Independent National Election Commission (Inec) from a letter that introduced Dr. Sadiq Abubakar as Acting Chairperson of the National Party.

Inec, in a memo dated July 5, 2025, and was signed by his secretary, Rose Organization-Anthony, questioned the legality of the letter allegedly issued by the National Secretary of the Party on June 25.

The commission stated that correspondence failed to comply with part 2 (12) 3 of the regulations and guidelines for political parties (2022) and record differences in signatures when compared to the official notes.

The letter that introduced Abubakar following the suspension reported from the National Substantive Chairperson, Alhaji Shehu Musa Gabam, by the National Work Committee (NWC). Inec has now written directly to Gabam, asking for clarification about problems and verification of the authenticity of the document.

The crisis increased after the NWC suspended Gabam, along with two other senior officials, National Auditor Nze Nnadi Clarkson and National Youth Leader Uchhechukwu Chukwuma, on charges of financial irregularities. According to a statement by the Secretary of the National Publicity of SDP, Rufus Aiyenigba Arafts, the three were accused of making a big mistake, including embezzlement and transfer of more than ₦ 1 billion party funds. The suspension is said to be a result of an internal investigation that reveals invalid financial transactions and abuse of position.

In response, Gabam firmly rejected the accusation, stating that he remained the legal leader of the party. Speaking through his aide, Alhaji Lawal Ibrahim, Gabam described the claim as a stain campaign arranged by a party that was harmed, especially mentioning Dr. Olu Agunloye, a former minister and senior SDP figure, as an incorporation.

“There is no crisis at SDP,” Gabam said. “What we have is a party that grows stronger every day, guided by discipline, internal democracy, and joint commitment for national services.”

Also read: Tunde Bakare warns the state of one party in Nigeria

He further accused Agunloye of trying to confuse the party through unconstitutional actions, including the transfer of unauthorized state leaders, the imposition of the caregiver committee, and a recognized meeting of the meeting of the National Executive Committee (NEC) without the right authority.

“The NEC meeting was canceled and was canceled. The SDP constitution was clear: only the national chairman could hold or lead the meeting,” Gabam said.

He also reiterated his commitment to maintain the integrity of the party, stating, “SDP is not for sale. This is not for piracy. This is a people’s movement and will remain.”

Meanwhile, NWC is under Dr. Abubakar has advanced with plans to expel Gabam and refer to him to the Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC) for prosecution.

The Probe panel consists of five people chaired by the retired Deputy of Marshal Air Abubakar-Sadick Liman submitting their findings last week, revealed that only national auditors appeared before the committee, while Gabam and Chukwuma failed to respect the invitation.

Although no two officials were accused, the panel claimed to have obtained substantial documentary evidence to begin the discipline and criminal referral process.

The Gabam faction has rejected the panel as the “kangaroo committee,” accused that he did not have a constitutional position and interfere with the ongoing investigation by the Nigerian police, reportedly initiated by a petition from Agunloye.