The National Working Committee (NWC) of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) has announced the immediate suspension of its National Chairman, Alhaji Shehu Musa Gabam, following allegations of gross financial misconduct, embezzlement, misappropriation, and unauthorized diversion of party funds.
Also suspended alongside the Chairman are Nze Nnadi Clarkson, the National Auditor, and Uchechukwu Ogbonna Chukwuma, the National Youth Leader. The decision was disclosed in a statement issued by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Araba Rufus Aiyenigba.
According to the statement, the suspensions came after a critical meeting of the NWC, during which compelling evidence was presented, implicating the trio in a series of illicit financial activities.
These included the unauthorized withdrawal of party funds, personal enrichment schemes, and other financial transactions carried out without the approval or knowledge of the NWC.
Aiyenigba noted that the financial irregularities first came to light when the suspended National Chairman submitted an unauthorized financial report to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
The same report, allegedly containing falsified figures, was later published in national newspapers. Upon discovering this, the NWC resolved to escalate the matter to the appropriate law enforcement agencies for thorough investigation and possible prosecution.
He stated, “The decision to suspend the National Chairman and the other implicated officials is necessary to uphold the integrity of the party and allow for a full, impartial investigation into the allegations. As a political party that values transparency and discipline, the SDP must remain a credible platform committed to national redemption.”
To this effect, an interim investigative panel has been constituted to conduct a comprehensive audit of the party’s financial records and recommend further disciplinary or legal action against those found guilty.
In the meantime, the Deputy National Chairman (North), Dr. Sadiq Umar Abubakar, has assumed the role of Acting National Chairman in accordance with the provisions of the SDP Constitution.
Aiyenigba revealed that the misappropriated funds are estimated to run into hundreds of millions of naira. These include donations and revenues generated from the sale of nomination forms during the 2023 general elections, as well as other financial resources from the party’s accounts.
He emphasized that the suspension of Gabam, Clarkson, and Chukwuma takes effect immediately and has already been formally communicated to INEC and all other relevant authorities.
“The suspension of these officers sends a clear message that the SDP maintains a zero-tolerance stance towards corruption and abuse of office,” the statement concluded.
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