By Peter Adelowo
The trial of the immediate past National Chairman of the Social Democratic Party, SDP, Alhaji Shehu Gabam, over alleged N35 million financial misappropriation has been adjourned until August 17 by a Wuse Zone 2 Magistrates’ Court in Abuja.
Gabam is facing charges of alleged criminal breach of trust, misappropriation, theft and other financial offences in Suit No. DCC/10/2026, instituted by the SDP over alleged financial infractions during his tenure as national chairman.
Speaking with journalists after proceedings, SDP National Chairman, Professor Sadiq Gombe, said the court did not sit due to unforeseen circumstances, despite the presence of the prosecution team and witnesses.
According to him, officials of Zenith Bank, who were subpoenaed to tender the party’s statement of account, were present in court but left with the documents following the adjournment.
Professor Gombe described the bank statement as a critical piece of evidence in the case, expressing optimism that it would be admitted when proceedings resume.
He maintained that the party had assembled sufficient evidence to support the allegations and reaffirmed confidence in the judicial process.
The SDP chairman further alleged that the party’s 2024 financial records revealed multiple payments, amounting to about 75 transactions, to an individual who had no official responsibility for the party’s finances.
He said the alleged financial irregularities informed the current leadership’s decision to reform and sanitise the party’s administration.
Professor Gombe also called for speedy adjudication of cases involving alleged financial misconduct within political parties ahead of the 2027 general elections, noting that timely prosecution would strengthen internal democracy and deter corruption.
On the lingering leadership dispute within the party, Gombe insisted that matters relating to party leadership remain internal affairs beyond the jurisdiction of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the courts.
He stated that the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) had on March 9 suspended and later expelled Gabam and another party member, Mr. Ogbonna Okechukwu, adding that the decisions were ratified in line with the party’s constitution and monitored by INEC.
The SDP chairman further alleged that Gabam obtained a Federal High Court order by misrepresenting an Appeal Court judgment, which he said related only to the Ekiti State governorship primary and not the party’s national leadership.
He maintained that the Supreme Court had already settled issues relating to the party’s leadership, insisting that the current SDP leadership remains valid and unchanged.
