ABUJA, Nigeria (FN) — The Social Democratic Party (SDP) has expelled its former National Chairman, Shehu Musa Gabam, along with several top officials, over allegations of financial misconduct, abuse of office, and disloyalty, in what party leaders described as a sweeping move to restore integrity and discipline.
The decision was announced Thursday in Abuja following a meeting of the party’s National Working Committee (NWC), which adopted the findings of an independent Disciplinary Committee and a subsequent White Paper that reviewed the allegations.
“The move followed the adoption of the report of the Disciplinary Committee and a subsequent White Paper which reviewed the findings and recommendations on the allegations brought against the affected officers,” said Rufus Aiyenigba, the party’s National Publicity Secretary, during a press briefing at the SDP National Secretariat.
Gabam, along with National Youth Leader Ogbonna Chukwuma Uchechukwu and National Auditor Clarkson Nnadi, had been suspended on June 24, 2025, after a prima facie case of misconduct and financial impropriety was established. Nnadi later resigned voluntarily.
To ensure due process, the party constituted an independent Disciplinary Committee on July 4, which conducted a two-week investigation and submitted its report on July 18. The NWC adopted the White Paper on August 15, paving the way for Thursday’s expulsion.
In addition to Gabam and Uchechukwu, the expelled members include Adamu Abubakar Modibbo, Abubakar Dogara, Nuraddeen Bisalla, Solsuema Osaro, Ambo Ekpeyong, Eluwa Ifeanyi Henry, Humphrey Unwukaeze, and Judith Israel Shuaibu. They were accused of disloyalty and unlawful entry into the party’s national secretariat on July 28, 2025.
According to Aiyenigba, the individuals were apprehended by security operatives while allegedly in possession of sensitive documents and valuables removed from the secretariat. They are currently facing criminal prosecution.
“These disciplinary measures are necessary to restore integrity, discipline, and internal order within the SDP,” Aiyenigba said, adding that additional administrative reforms recommended in the White Paper would be implemented to prevent future breaches.
The expulsion takes immediate effect from October 23, 2025, and was unanimously endorsed by all members of the NWC. Aiyenigba reaffirmed the party’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and constitutional order.
The development marks one of the most dramatic internal purges in the party’s recent history and could reshape its leadership structure ahead of future elections.
