By Peter Adelowo
A major shake-up has rocked the Social Democratic Party (SDP) as the Forum of State Chairmen has thrown its full weight behind the expulsion of the party’s former National Chairman, Alhaji Shehu Gabam, calling the move a “turning point” in efforts to restore credibility and discipline within the opposition party.
Addressing journalists at the party’s National Secretariat in Abuja, the Forum’s Chairman, Mr. Femi Olaniyi (Ferrari), said the action taken by the National Working Committee (NWC) marked the beginning of what he described as a long-overdue internal reform.
“The dismissal of Shehu Gabam is not a witch-hunt. It is a long overdue corrective surgery needed to save the SDP from collapse,” Olaniyi declared.
“We now have the opportunity to rebuild the party as a credible and principled political alternative for Nigerians.”
The former chairman, along with the former National Youth Speaker, Ogbonna Uchechukwu, was found guilty by a disciplinary committee of financial impropriety, abuse of office, and gross violations of the party’s constitution.
According to the Forum, the disciplinary committee — chaired by Air Vice Marshal Abubakar Sadia Liman (mni) — conducted a transparent and inclusive process that included representatives of youths, women, and state chapters.
Olaniyi revealed that the committee’s findings implicated the former chairman in alleged mismanagement of nearly ₦1 billion, funds belonging largely to state party structures.
“Seventy-five percent of the funds belong to the states as stipulated by our constitution,” Olaniyi said.
“We will not forgo what is rightfully ours. This matter will be referred to the EFCC and the Nigerian Police for full investigation and recovery.”
The Forum accused Gabam of “mercenary merchandising of the party” and “using the national chairmanship to pursue personal wealth,” alleging that his leadership was marked by extortion and disregard for party rules.
In a statement read on behalf of the 37 state chairmen, the Forum described Gabam’s expulsion as essential to safeguarding the party’s integrity and reviving public trust in its leadership.
“Never again shall such an unworthy and untested character be allowed to cast his unstable shadow over the SDP,” the statement read.
The Forum pledged full support to the newly appointed Acting National Chairman, Professor Sadiq Abubakar Gombe, and the National Secretary, Dr. Olu Agunloye, describing them as “leaders committed to justice, transparency, and service.”
Olaniyi also urged the NWC to immediately constitute the Board of Trustees (BoT) to strengthen internal checks and ensure collective decision-making within the party.
The Forum used the occasion to call on Nigerians to disregard what it called “misinformation and propaganda” being spread by the dismissed officials, whom they accused of “attempting to manipulate public perception for sympathy.”
“We challenge those expelled to swear an affidavit if they truly believe they are innocent,” Olaniyi added. “Democracy is too sacred to be left in the hands of those driven by greed and deception.”
He concluded by encouraging state chapters to begin renewed mobilization efforts at the grassroots level, noting that the SDP remains open to alliances and partnerships built on sincerity and principles — not opportunism.
“The SDP stands for social justice and good governance,” Olaniyi said. “Let us serve Nigeria faithfully and retire selfish politics once and for all.”
The press conference ended with chants of the party slogan: “SDP! Progress!”
