By Abimbola Ajayi
The Forum of State Chairmen of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) has backed the National Working Committee’s (NWC) decision confirming the dismissal of former National Chairman, Alhaji Shehu Gabam.
The chairmen stated their position in a communiqué issued on Wednesday in Abuja after a meeting at the party’s National Secretariat, where they reviewed recent developments within the SDP leadership.
It may be recalled that the NWC had, on July 1, suspended Gabam, Nze Clarkson, and Uchechukwu Chukwuma over alleged involvement in gross financial misconduct during the 2023 general elections.
Forum Chairman, Mr Femi Olaniyi, said the decision was aimed at strengthening internal discipline, restoring public confidence, and enhancing the credibility of the party’s leadership structure and internal management processes.
He said the 37 state chairmen, including that of the FCT, had earlier supported the suspension of Gabam and other affected officials over allegations of financial and administrative irregularities.
Olaniyi explained that the Disciplinary Committee, chaired by Air Vice Marshal Abubakar Sadiq (rtd.), had concluded its investigations and submitted a comprehensive report to the NWC for review and necessary action.
He said the forum endorsed the NWC’s final decision after examining the committee’s findings and urged all party members to respect the outcome of the internal disciplinary process.
According to him, the forum’s position was based on verified information provided by its representative on the disciplinary panel, Dr Kingsley Agbo, who also serves as the Ebonyi State Chairman of the SDP.
Olaniyi said the disciplinary process followed the provisions of the party’s constitution, with relevant agencies, including the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), duly informed at every stage of the process.
He dismissed allegations that the party had been closed to new entrants, describing such claims as misleading and contrary to the party’s inclusive philosophy and democratic values.
“The SDP remains open to collaboration and partnership with progressive groups committed to national development, transparency, and good governance,” Olaniyi said at the end of the meeting.
The forum reaffirmed its confidence in the Acting National Chairman, Prof. Sadiq Abubakar Gombe, and the National Secretary, Dr Olu Agunloye, pledging full support for ongoing reforms in the party.
It also called for the immediate constitution of the Board of Trustees (BoT) to strengthen internal checks, improve accountability, and promote transparent, collective leadership within the SDP.
Olaniyi encouraged state chairmen to intensify mobilisation of new members, strengthen local structures, and promote unity as the party prepares for upcoming political engagements nationwide.
“We remain committed to upholding transparency, integrity, and service to the Nigerian people,” Olaniyi added.
