Alhaji Shehu Gabam, National Chairman of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), has dismissed his reported expulsion from the party as “illegal, null, and void,” calling it an attempt by impostors to destabilize the party. The expulsion, announced on Thursday alongside that of National Youth Leader Dr. Ogbonna Uchechukwu and others, was described by Gabam’s camp as unconstitutional.
In a statement by his Special Assistant (Legal), Abubakar Baba, Gabam cited Article 13 (iv) of the SDP constitution, which grants only the National Chairman authority to preside over key party meetings. The statement labeled the expulsion meeting, led by Dr. Sadiq—who is allegedly not a party or National Executive Committee member—as a violation of the SDP constitution and INEC regulations. Baba also criticized National Secretary Dr. Olu Agunloye for notifying INEC of the decision, calling it a breach of protocol.
Gabam’s team provided a Certified True Copy from INEC confirming his chairmanship and warned that the Sadiq-led group’s actions would face legal consequences. Despite the SDP’s National Publicity Secretary, Rufus Aiyenigba, announcing the expulsion after months of investigation into alleged misconduct, financial misappropriation, and abuse of office, Gabam’s camp insists the claims are politically motivated. Some SDP state chairmen, however, support the expulsion.
Gabam reaffirmed his commitment to leading the SDP, upholding the rule of law, and strengthening Nigeria’s democratic ideals.
