By Peter Adelowo
The Forum of the State Chairmen of the Social Democratic Party has thrown its weight behind the party’s National Working Committee’s decision on the suspension of Shehu Gabam as the national chairman of the party and two others.
The chairmen of the forum, who is also in charge of the Lagos State Chapter, Femi Olaniyi made this known in Abuja on Friday at a press conference.
He urged the suspended officials allow investigation into allegations brought against them by the National Working Committee of the party.
Olaniyi added that fight against corruption in the party must be genuine, and transparent.
He assured all the members of the SDP nationwide and all Nigerians that the leadership cleansing in the SDP is not about power play or 2027 or Coalition or APC, PDP or other conspiracy theories. It is about doing the right thing in the party.
“We fully support the National Working Committee’s decision to suspend the national chairman, Shehu Musa Gabam, the national auditor, Clarkson Nnadi, and the national youth leader, Ogbonna Chukuwma, as this aligns with the sentiments expressed by our grassroots members. The fight against corruption must be genuine, and openness is vital in the SDP. Given our country’s current situation and the present government’s maladministration, we must uphold our principles of social justice and zero tolerance for corruption.
The members must remain calm and not be swayed by media manipulations regarding the suspended chairman. The entire process has followed the party’s constitution.
It is important to note that all actions taken have been initiated by the state chapters. Our situation can be summarized by the phrase, “monkey dey work, baboon dey chop.” This Forum has repeatedly requested that the National Chairman remit the state’s allocated percentage, as outlined in the constitution, but he has consistently ignored these requests. No state chapter has received any funds from the money raised, and whenever we inquire about our dues, we encounter threats of removal or suspension.”
Speaking on coalition ahead of the 2027 general election, Olaniyi said the SDP is very open for coalition that will liberate Nigeria.
