The Social Democratic Party (SDP) on Tuesday suspended its National Chairman, Shehu Gabam, and two other key members of its National Working Committee (NWC) ; National Auditor, Nnadi Clarkson and National Youth Leader Chukwuma Uchechukwu.
The suspension was to pave the way for a through investigation of allegation of corruption levelled against them.
The Deputy National Chairman (North), Dr. Sadiq Umar Abubakar, has been appointed as Acting National Chairman to ensure continuity of leadership and smooth party operations.
Araba Rufus Aiyenigba, the party’s National Publicity Secretary, confirmed the developments in a statement on Tuesday.
Aiyenigba explained that the suspensions were formally approved by the party’s NWC following serious allegations of gross financial misconduct, including embezzlement, misappropriation, and diversion of party funds.
According to him, the decision emerged after compelling evidence was presented implicating the trio in unauthorized financial activities.
These activities allegedly involved a series of unauthorized transactions, personal enrichment schemes, and improper transfers of funds from the party’s accounts without requisite approval from the NWC.
The controversy first surfaced when it was discovered that the National Chairman, Shehu Gabam, had submitted an unauthorized financial statement to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), which requires all political parties to submit accurate financial disclosures.
“The financial statement in question was not only unauthorized but also contained irregularities that were later summarized and published in various newspapers, raising alarm within the party’s leadership and the broader public.
“Upon uncovering these discrepancies, the NWC convened and resolved to report the fraudulent financial activities to relevant law enforcement agencies.
“This move underscores the party’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and zero tolerance for corruption,” he said.
The statement emphasized the party’s reputation as a disciplined and credible political platform committed to national redemption, noting that the actions taken are intended to reinforce these values.
Araba Rufus Aiyenigba further explained that the suspension is a preliminary step aimed at allowing a comprehensive investigation to take place
He said: “Our integrity as a political party must be upheld at all times,” he said.
“To this end, the party has constituted an interim investigative panel charged with conducting a full audit of all financial records.
“The panel is expected to provide recommendations for any further disciplinary or legal measures necessary based on its findings.”
In the meantime, and in accordance with the SDP constitution, the Deputy National Chairman (North), Dr. Sadiq Umar Abubakar, has been appointed as Acting National Chairman to ensure continuity of leadership and smooth party operations during this period of upheaval.
The financial irregularities reportedly involve the misappropriation of hundreds of millions of naira. These funds include donations made to the party, as well as revenue generated from the sale of nomination forms during the 2023 general elections, among other party resources. The statement noted that these funds were diverted without the knowledge or consent of the NWC, constituting a breach of party protocols and fiduciary responsibility.
The party has officially communicated the suspension of Shehu Gabam, Nnadi Clarkson, and Chukwuma Uchechukwu to INEC and other relevant regulatory bodies to ensure full transparency and compliance with electoral laws and regulations.
The SDP reiterated its commitment to upholding democratic principles and maintaining an ethical standard in its operations, sending a strong message that corruption and abuse of office will not be tolerated within its ranks.
The party leadership then urged all members and supporters to remain calm and cooperative as the investigation proceeds.
(vitalnewsngr.com)
