The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has rejected a letter introducing an acting national chairman of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), purportedly signed by the party’s national secretary.
INEC demanded clarification from the substantive national chairman, Alhaji Shehu Gabam, regarding the authenticity of the correspondence.
In a memo dated July 5, 2025, and signed by INEC Secretary, Rose Oriaran-Anthony, the Commission stated that the letter, dated June 25, failed to meet the requirements of Part 2(12)3 of the 2022 Regulations and Guidelines for Political Parties.
“The Commission is in receipt of a letter dated 25th June on the above, purportedly signed by the Secretary of your Party with a signature inconsistent with the specimen signature in the records of the Commission, introducing an acting National Chairman of your Party,” the memo read in part.
INEC further noted that the document was non-compliant and called on Gabam to confirm its authenticity and provide further clarification.
“The letter is not in compliance with the requirement of part 2(12)3 of the Regulations and Guidelines for Political Parties, 2022. You are to please confirm the authenticity of the letter”.
The National Publicity Secretary of the Party Araba Rufus Ayenigba had two weeks in a statement announced the suspension of the National Chairman of the Party, Alhaji Gabam and two other members of the National Working Committee (NWC, over alleged general misconduct and appointed Dr. Sadiq Abubakar Gombe as the Acting Chairman of the party.
In a swift reaction Alhaji Shehu Musa Gabam, has assured Party members and the general public that there was no crisis whatsoever within the party as begin speculated in some quarters
In a statement made available to reporters on Sunday in Abuja by his Media Aide, Alhaji Lawal Ibrahim, the SDP boss described recent speculations suggesting internal wrangling in the party as misleading and unfounded which should be disregarded by all and sundry
Gabam maintained that the SDP remained united, focused, and committed to building a strong, credible alternative for Nigerians.
According to him; “There is no crisis in the SDP, what we have is a party that is growing stronger by the day, guided by discipline, internal democracy, and a shared vision to serve Nigerians with integrity and purpose.”
Gabam disclosed that the party leadership remained committed to reforms that promote transparency, accountability, and order, adding that SDP is attracting quality Nigerians who are tired of recycled politics and want real change.
According to him, the Party’s strength lies in its ability to self-regulate and uphold values that resonate with the aspirations of the people.
“We will not be distracted by false narratives. Our focus is on preparing the SDP to take its rightful place in the political leadership of this country,” he said. “Nigerians are yearning for a credible alternative, and we are ready to provide it.”
Gabam further reiterated his confidence in the party’s structure and leadership across all levels, assuring that the SDP will continue to stand as a beacon of hope in Nigeria’s political landscape.
According to the statement; “the attention of the National Leadership of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) has been drawn to recent disturbing and misleading actions propagated by a small group of individuals whose sole aim appears to be the destabilization of our great party. Chief among them is Dr Olu Agunloye, who has consistently waged a campaign of misinformation, misrepresentation, and outright defiance of the constitution and founding ideals of the SDP.
“Let it be stated clearly and for the record: the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the only constitutionally empowered body to regulate political parties in Nigeria, recognizes Alhaji Shehu Musa Gabam as the authentic and substantive National Chairman of the Social Democratic Party.
“This official recognition puts to rest any attempt to mislead the public or manufacture confusion by individuals acting outside the bounds of the law and the party constitution.
“Contrary to efforts by Dr. Agunloye and a few disgruntled elements to portray a divided house, the SDP remains united, focused, and strong under the legitimate leadership of Alhaji Gabam.
“The Party has achieved significant milestones, including revitalizing its grassroots structures, increasing its visibility nationwide, and fostering a message of social justice and integrity. These gains have been made possible by the tireless commitment of patriotic members who remain devoted to the SDP’s mission.
“It is therefore deeply regrettable that at a time when we should be consolidating our progress, certain individuals, clearly motivated by personal vendetta and ambition, have chosen to incite division and chaos through false narratives and illegal maneuvers.
“We are aware of the allegations of financial impropriety being propagated by Agunloye, who claims to have petitioned the Nigeria Police Force. We welcome the intervention of law enforcement and urge a thorough and impartial investigation into his baseless accusations. We are confident that the truth will prevail and those seeking to mislead the public will be exposed.
“Even more disturbing is Agunloye’s audacious move to constitute a kangaroo investigative panel, in clear violation of the Party’s constitution and in direct conflict with an ongoing police investigation. Such a panel is illegitimate, unlawful, and holds no authority or binding effect on the operations or leadership of the SDP. It is an act of desperation, a smokescreen designed to distract from his lack of credibility.
“We also wish to categorically state that the purported plan by the National Secretary to remove State Chairmen and appoint Caretaker Committees in the states is unconstitutional, null and void. Such action lacks constitutional backing and will never be recognized by INEC.
“No individual, including the National Secretary, possesses the unilateral authority to remove duly elected state leadership.
“Furthermore, the purported National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting being called by this faction is illegal and of no consequence. It violates several provisions of the SDP Constitution (2022, as amended), including: Sections 13.1(iv) and 14.4(ii) – Only the National Chairman may preside over NWC or NEC meetings.
“Section 14.4(i) – Any meeting not conducted in compliance with these provisions is null and void. Any NEC meeting not convened or presided over by Alhaji Shehu Musa Gabam is unconstitutional and invalid.
Alhaji Gabam also cleared the air regarding the issue of coalition, saying, ” let it be abundantly clear that the SDP is an independent political party.
According to him, ‘The issue of any supposed coalition is a matter of the past, and the SDP is not part of any such coalition arrangement
Alhaji Gabam then urged the teeming members and supporters of the Party across the country to remain calm, vigilant, and steadfast.
He said, “Do not be distracted by the noise and theatrics of a few who seek to derail our progress, this momentary turbulence shall pass. We remain committed to our democratic ideals, our vision for national transformation, and our role as a credible political alternative in Nigeria
Gabam declared affirmatively that; “the SDP is not for sale. It is not for hijacking. It is a movement of the people—and it shall remain so”.
Credit: thenationonlineng.net
