By Charles Maduka
The Forum of Social Democratic Party (SDP) State Chairmen has backed the suspension of National Chairman Shehu Gabam, calling it a bold step to restore transparency and constitutional order within the party.
Speaking on behalf of the 36 state chairmen during a press conference in Abuja, Forum Chairman Femi Olaniyi said the move was not a sign of crisis but a necessary “internal cleansing” aimed at repositioning the party as a credible alternative in Nigeria’s political space.
“There is no crisis within the SDP. What we are doing is internal cleansing, not internal crisis,” Olaniyi said. “We cannot criticize corruption in government while tolerating it internally.”
The Forum also supported the suspension of National Auditor Clarkson Nnadi and National Youth Leader Ogbonna Chukwuma, citing allegations of financial mismanagement, autocracy, and repeated violations of the party’s constitution.
Olaniyi alleged that state chapters had been sidelined financially, with no allocations received from party funds despite constitutional provisions. “Every time we asked for our share, we were met with threats. It’s the classic case of ‘monkey dey work, baboon dey chop,’” he stated.
The Forum further demanded an immediate convening of the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC), which they said had not met since Gabam assumed office—an action they claim breaches party regulations.
“We urge the Acting National Chairman and National Secretary to call for a NEC meeting without delay. This is about restoring order, not about 2027 ambitions,” Olaniyi emphasized.
The chairmen also offered to nominate a representative to serve on the party’s Disciplinary Investigation Panel, stressing the need for an independent and transparent probe into the allegations.
The latest development underscores mounting internal pressure within the SDP to reform its leadership structure ahead of the 2027 general elections, as party stakeholders insist on constitutional integrity and democratic accountability.
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