Crisis in SDP: Gabam, Key Officials Expelled Over Corruption Allegations

The Social Democratic Party (SDP) has expelled its former National Chairman, Shehu Musa Gabam, along with several senior officials, following allegations of misconduct, financial misappropriation, and abuse of office.
The decision, reached after months of internal investigation, was formally announced on Thursday, October 23, 2025, at the SDP National Secretariat in Abuja.

Speaking to journalists, Rufus Aiyenigba, the SDP National Publicity Secretary, stated that the expulsion was based on the adoption of a detailed White Paper and the findings of the Disciplinary Committee, which conducted a thorough review of the allegations against the affected members.
According to Aiyenigba, “ SDP The National Working Committee (NWC) acted in accordance with the recommendations of the Disciplinary Committee and the subsequent White Paper, which reviewed and confirmed cases of misconduct and abuse of office.”

Investigation and Findings: Due Process and Accountability

The crisis within the SDP first came to public attention on June 24, 2025, when Gabam, the National Youth Leader Mr. Ogbonna Chukwuma Uchechukwu, and the National Auditor Mr. Clarkson Nnadi were suspended after preliminary findings revealed a prima facie case of financial impropriety and gross misconduct.

To ensure transparency, the SDP NWC established an independent Disciplinary Committee on July 4, 2025, tasked with a two-week investigation. The committee submitted its report on July 18, 2025, which was later subjected to a review through a White Paper adopted by the NWC on August 15, 2025.
Aiyenigba emphasized that all procedures followed constitutional provisions and internal party regulations, adding that “the expulsion was necessary to restore discipline and integrity to the SDP leadership structure.”

He confirmed that the expelled members were found culpable of actions considered inimical to the unity and stability of the SDP, including unauthorized access to party facilities and illegal removal of sensitive documents from the party’s headquarters.

List of Affected Officials and Next Steps for the SDP

Those affected by the expulsion include:

Alhaji Shehu Musa Gabam – Former National Chairman

Mr. Ogbonna Chukwuma Uchechukwu – Former National Youth Leader

Mr. Clarkson Nnadi – Former National Auditor (who resigned voluntarily)

Adamu Abubakar Modibbo, Abubakar Dogara, Nuraddeen Bisalla, Solsuema Osaro, Ambo Ekpeyong, Eluwa Ifeanyi Henry, Humphrey Unwukaeze, and Judith Israel Shuaibu

According to the party, some of the expelled members were apprehended by security operatives after allegedly gaining unlawful access to the party’s secretariat on July 28, 2025, during which sensitive materials were reportedly taken. They are currently facing criminal prosecution.

Aiyenigba added that the disciplinary measures were part of a broader effort to “rebuild internal trust, enforce accountability, and preserve the integrity of the SDP as a credible political platform.”
He reaffirmed the NWC’s commitment to constitutional order, transparency, and accountability in party management, noting that the sanctions take immediate effect from October 23, 2025.

The SDP, once viewed as a stabilizing force in Nigeria’s multiparty landscape, now faces a defining moment as it moves to reestablish internal discipline ahead of future political engagements.