Gabam Firmly Holds SDP National Chairman Leadership, Declares Ex-Governorship Candidate Oyegbolu

Former Ondo State governorship candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Segun Oyegbolu, has reaffirmed that Shehu Gabam remains the legitimate National Chairman of the party. His remark comes in response to reports announcing Gabam’s expulsion from the party over alleged misconduct.

Speaking during an interview on Prime Time on Arise Television on Thursday, Oyegbolu dismissed claims made by those who reportedly expelled Gabam, stressing that they are not recognised party officials. According to him, both the party’s structure and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) confirm Gabam’s leadership position within the SDP.

He maintained that “SDP is not in crisis by any imagination,” noting that the claims surrounding Gabam’s expulsion are not credible and should not be taken seriously.

Oyegbolu Dismisses Expulsion Claims as Invalid

Oyegbolu emphasized that individuals claiming to have removed Gabam lack the legitimacy and authority to do so. He stated that all state chairmen of the party had been duly authenticated by INEC as of January 30 this year, reinforcing the legitimacy of his position.

“Those who claim to have expelled Gabam from the SDP are not authentic members of the party. They are unknown to us and INEC,” he asserted. He further described the expulsion announcement as “beer parlour stories,” arguing that such claims hold no weight within the party’s official structure.

His comments follow Gabam’s own declaration insisting that he remains the rightful chairman of the SDP, adding another layer to the internal leadership debate.

Oyegbolu Reaffirmation of Party Stability

Despite ongoing discussions surrounding the leadership dispute, Oyegbolu reassured party members and the public that the SDP remains stable and united.

He argued that the leadership issue has been exaggerated and does not represent the reality within the party’s organisational framework. Oyegbolu insisted that the SDP’s internal mechanisms remain intact, with loyalty firmly aligned to him as the recognized National Chairman.

He urged stakeholders and observers to disregard what he described as politically motivated misinformation designed to sow confusion within the party.