Gombe Defends Fraud Case, Seeks Swift Justice

The National Chairman of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Prof. Sadiq Umar Abubakar Gombe, has reaffirmed his confidence in the prosecution of alleged financial crimes involving former party officials, saying investigators have gathered substantial evidence to support the case.

The matter, which was scheduled for hearing on Monday, was adjourned until August 17, 2026, after the court announced it could not sit due to unforeseen circumstances. Gombe told journalists that both the prosecution and defence were present and prepared for the proceedings before the adjournment was announced.
He disclosed that officials of Zenith Bank also appeared in court with the requested statement of account, describing the document as a key piece of evidence. According to him, investigations into the party’s 2024 bank records uncovered suspicious financial transactions, including repeated payments to an individual who had no official responsibility for the party’s finances. He alleged that the individual received payments on 75 occasions within a year, with some transactions occurring on the same day.
Gombe said the current SDP leadership remained committed to promoting accountability, transparency and integrity in the party. He also urged the judiciary to fast-track politically related criminal cases ahead of the 2027 general elections, arguing that timely justice would strengthen democratic institutions and discourage misconduct within political parties.
Addressing the party’s leadership dispute, Gombe dismissed reports that former National Chairman Shehu Musa Gabam had been reinstated. He maintained that the SDP National Executive Committee lawfully suspended and expelled Gabam and another official in March 2026, insisting that leadership matters remain internal affairs of political parties. He added that the party was focused on strengthening its structures and providing credible leadership ahead of future elections.