SDP Crisis: I Remain the Authentic National Chairman — Gabam …Says Tinubu Once Considered Joining SDP, We Had a Mature Conversation

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC)-recognized National Chairman of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Alhaji Shehu Gabam, has dismissed reports of his expulsion from the party as “a nullity and the product of a kangaroo process,” insisting that he remains the duly elected and INEC-certified leader of the party.

Speaking during a national television interview on Sunday night, Alhaji Gabam described the ongoing crisis within the SDP as “an artificially induced political operation,” alleging that certain vested interests were attempting to destabilize the party due to its growing influence and independent stance in national politics.

According to him, those claiming to have expelled him “lack legitimacy and are not recognized by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).” He said, “The Commission has the certified true copy of our 2022 convention held at the International Conference Centre, where my executive was duly elected. None of those who claimed to have suspended or expelled me appears on that list. Even Sadik, who presided over their so-called meeting, is not a registered member of the party.”

Gabam noted that the police had been duly informed of the INEC-recognized leadership and warned that any group operating outside that structure was guilty of impersonation. He called on authorities to investigate those attempting to hijack the party’s organs.

Reacting to allegations of financial misconduct and abuse of office, Gabam described the claims as “cheap fabrications without substance.” He explained that the same National Secretary, Dr. Olu Agunloye, who raised the allegations, had earlier petitioned the Inspector-General of Police, but investigations did not substantiate any wrongdoing.

“The police invited him to substantiate his claims, but no report was ever issued,” Gabam said. “Instead, he turned around to set up a kangaroo committee of his friends to investigate me. I was never invited or interrogated, not even for one second. It’s a political smear job.”

He further alleged that his life had been threatened by armed men during the course of the crisis. “People came with AK-47s to assassinate me,” he said. “But I decided not to drag the SDP into the mess because I value the institution we are trying to protect.”

Gabam stated that the situation in the SDP reflected broader challenges facing opposition parties across Nigeria, observing that “no political party in Nigeria today is standing firmly apart from the ruling APC.”

He dismissed claims that his problems within the party stemmed from antagonism toward President Bola Ahmed Tinubu or his administration.

“I have always maintained mutual respect for the President,” he said. “At a point, when Tinubu was having issues within the APC and was considering joining the SDP, we had a mature and civilized conversation. Eventually, he decided to remain in the APC. From that period till now, I have neither seen the President nor received any message from him. Those suggesting otherwise are manufacturing lies out of political insecurity.”

The SDP chairman emphasized that the party’s stance on national issues is guided by patriotism and constructive criticism. “Every opposing view we have expressed about government policies has been in good faith and in the national interest,” he maintained. “I will never be part of any attempt to pull down a government because no one can predict the consequences.”

Addressing reports that state chairmen had endorsed his removal, Gabam dismissed the claims as false. “The so-called chairman of chairmen is not even a substantive chairman,” he clarified. “He has been acting chairman of the party in Lagos for years, and his tenure expired long ago. In fact, there are three factions within the chairmen’s forum itself.”

Gabam confirmed that the police had temporarily taken control of the SDP national secretariat in Abuja following violent clashes between rival groups. “As an experienced politician, I refused to force myself into the building because anything could be planted there and blamed on me,” he explained. “The former Commissioner of Police deployed officers to prevent further violence, and I respect that decision.”

Despite the crisis, Gabam reiterated his commitment to preserving the integrity of the SDP. “I will not do anything to bring down the party,” he declared. “But anyone who tries to tarnish my name, I will pursue the matter to any length possible. Nigerians should know that I did not ignite this crisis. I am handling it with maturity, but history will record those who did.”

Reaffirming his position, Alhaji Shehu Gabam concluded: “I remain the authentic National Chairman of the Social Democratic Party. Those trying to hijack the SDP are acting on political instructions, but the truth will prevail.”