The National Chairman of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Shehu Gabam, has dismissed reports of his expulsion from the party, describing the action as “illegal, null and void” and accusing impostors of attempting to destabilize the party.
Gabam, alongside the National Youth Leader, Ogbonna Uchechukwu, and other party officials, was reportedly expelled on Thursday.
In a statement issued on Friday in Abuja by his legal aide, Abubakar Baba, Gabam said the expulsion was unconstitutional and lacked any legal effect. The statement cited Article 13 (iv) of the SDP constitution, which vests only the national chairman with the authority to preside over meetings of the national convention, national executive committee, national working committee, and national caucus.
“Any meeting convened or presided over without the consent of the duly recognized chairman constitutes a gross violation of the constitution and a brazen attempt to usurp legitimate authority,” the statement read.
Baba also accused the party’s national secretary, Olu Agunloye, of violating INEC regulations by notifying the commission of the supposed decisions from the disputed meeting. A certified true copy from INEC confirming Gabam as the recognized chairman was attached to the statement.
The statement further claimed that Sadiq, who presided over the meeting announcing the expulsion, “was neither a member of the party nor of its national executive committee and thus had no authority to conduct any meeting.” It urged the public to disregard the actions of the “Dr Sadiq-led group,” labeling them impostors who would face legal consequences.
Meanwhile, the SDP’s national publicity secretary, Rufus Aiyenigba, maintained that Gabam’s expulsion followed months of investigation and disciplinary procedures, aimed at restoring discipline and accountability within the party.
Gabam’s camp reaffirmed his leadership, insisting that the SDP remains committed to “upholding the rule of law, maintaining internal order, and protecting the integrity and reputation of the party,” while focusing on building the party and advancing Nigeria’s democratic ideals in partnership with loyal members.
