SDP Crisis: Court Shifts Hearing to July 28 Over Missing Bank Records

A Magistrate Court in Wuse has adjourned the criminal case arising from the leadership dispute within the Social Democratic Party (SDP) to July 28, 2026, due to the prosecution’s inability to secure key banking documents needed for the continuation of the hearing.
Speaking with journalists after the proceedings, the party’s Chairman, Professor Sadiq Gombe, explained that the adjournment became necessary because a crucial bank statement intended to be presented as evidence had not yet been released by the financial institution involved.
According to him, initial efforts were made to obtain the document directly from the bank, but the institution was unable to provide it within the required timeframe.
He stated that the legal team subsequently approached the court registry to obtain a subpoena compelling the bank to produce the statement.
Professor Gombe further disclosed that the bank informed the court that the document is voluminous and requires approval from its headquarters, as well as official certification, before it can be released.
As a result, the prosecution requested additional time, leading the court to adjourn the matter until July 28 for the continuation of hearing.
Commenting on the political implications of the case, Professor Gombe dismissed claims that the SDP is factionalized, insisting that the dispute concerns only a few members who were subjected to disciplinary measures.
He maintained that the party acted in line with its constitution, the Electoral Act, and the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria in sanctioning the affected members.
According to him, the disciplinary actions were approved by the appropriate organs of the party and duly communicated to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
The Chairman stated that both the National Working Committee (NWC) and the National Executive Committee (NEC) followed due process before approving the suspension and eventual expulsion of the affected members.
He argued that the sanctioned individuals neither exhausted the party’s internal appeal mechanisms nor challenged their expulsion before a competent court within the stipulated period.
Professor Gombe also maintained that internal disciplinary matters remain the exclusive responsibility of political parties and are protected under existing laws and judicial precedents.
Addressing allegations surrounding the occupation of the party’s national secretariat, he claimed that rival elements, with the assistance of security operatives, forcefully gained access to the premises in March while key party officials were away preparing for the party’s convention.
He alleged that the action was aimed at disrupting preparations for the convention, which eventually held as scheduled and produced the party’s presidential candidate.
Despite the dispute over the secretariat, he said the party has continued to operate from an alternative location while pursuing legal and administrative remedies.
Professor Gombe expressed confidence that the court process would ultimately vindicate the party’s leadership, insisting that all actions taken so far have been lawful and consistent with the SDP constitution.