INEC Recognises Shehu Gabam-Led SDP National Executives, Writes Police

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has officially affirmed the Alhaji Shehu Gabam-led National Executives of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) as the authentic leadership of the party.

This confirmation was conveyed in a correspondence to the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Command of the Nigeria Police, in which the Commission provided the names of the recognised officials. The move follows years of leadership tussles within the party.

The letter, signed by INEC Secretary Rose Oriaran-Anthony, was addressed to the Commissioner of Police, FCT, Abuja, and titled “RE: Request for Names of the National Executives of the Social Democratic Party (SDP).”

It stated:
“Your letter reference No. SB/3380/FCT/VOL.3/11 dated 28th July 2025 on the above subject refers. Please find attached the list of the National Executive of the Social Democratic Party as requested.”

INEC further explained that the list comprised officers duly elected at the party’s National Convention held on June 8, 2022, at the International Conference Center, Abuja.

The list includes:

Alhaji Shehu Musa Gabam – National Chairman

Dr. Olu Agunloye – National Secretary

Amb. Rufus B. Aiyenigba – National Publicity Secretary

Hon. Ogbonna Uchechukwu – National Speaker, Youth Parliament

Barr. Joseph Abu – National Organizing Secretary

Hajiya Sa’adatu Abdullahi – National Speaker, Women

Hajiya Maggie M. Batubo – National Treasurer

Dr. Aderemi Abimbo – National Legal Adviser

Chief Lekan Alabi – National Leader, PWD

Nze Clarkson Nnadi – National Auditor

Sen. Mohammed Alkali – National Vice Chairman, North West

Fredrick E. Owotorufe – National Vice Chairman, South South

Sir Chief Arinze Ekelem – National Vice Chairman, South East

Hon. Abdullahi M. Kani – National Vice Chairman, North Central

Chief Silas Alani Itvedp – National Vice Chairman, South West

Obinna Bright Ekweblem – South East Zone Secretary

Bassagi Gimba – North Central Zone Secretary

The correspondence was signed off with: “Accept the assurances of the Commission’s high regards.”

It would be recalled that a faction of the party had earlier announced the suspension of Alhaji Gabam and two other members for alleged misconduct, appointing Dr. Sadiq Abubakar Gombe as Acting National Chairman.

Subsequently, another faction loyal to former Kaduna State Governor, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, dissolved the Dr. Sadiq Abubakar Gombe and Dr. Olu Agunloye-led National Working Committee (NWC), appointing Comrade Abubakar Modido as Acting National Chairman.

In response, the SDP disowned El-Rufai, stressing that he had been banned from the party for over 30 years.

Amidst the controversy, the FCT Command of the Nigeria Police officially sought clarification from INEC to determine the authentic NWC of the party and restore order.

Reacting, Alhaji Gabam commended the Nigeria Police for turning to INEC rather than relying on what he described as “falsehoods from desperate politicians bent on destroying the party for selfish interests.”

He warned those parading themselves as NWC members outside the INEC-recognised list to desist, cautioning that security agencies would arrest and prosecute them for impersonation.

Gabam reaffirmed his leadership’s commitment to providing a credible platform for patriotic Nigerians to deliver good governance ahead of the 2027 elections.