The embattled National Chairman of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Shehu Gabam, has rejected reports of his expulsion from the party, calling the move “illegal, null and void” and describing it as an attempt by impostors to destabilize the party
Gabam, along with the National Youth Leader, Ogbonna Uchechukwu, and other party leaders, was reportedly expelled on Thursday.
In a statement issued on Friday in Abuja by his legal aide, Abubakar Baba, Gabam said the action was unconstitutional and without effect.
“The said meeting is illegal, null and void, and of no effect whatsoever,” the statement read, citing Article 13 (iv) of the SDP constitution, which grants only the national chairman authority to preside over meetings of the national convention, national executive committee, national working committee, and national caucus.
“Any meeting convened or presided over without the consent of the duly recognized chairman constitutes a gross violation of the constitution and a brazen attempt to usurp legitimate authority,” it added.
The statement also accused the national secretary, Olu Agunloye, of breaching Part 2 (12) 3 of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) regulations by allegedly notifying INEC of the purported decisions from the meeting. A certified true copy from INEC confirming Gabam as the recognized national chairman was attached as proof.
“The purported suspension of the chairman and all other members is null and void and of no effect whatsoever,” the statement added. It further claimed that Sadiq, who chaired the meeting announcing the expulsion, “was neither a member of the party nor of its national executive committee and thus had no authority to preside over any of its meetings.”
The statement urged the public to disregard the actions of the “Dr Sadiq-led group,” describing them as impostors who would face legal consequences.
However, the party’s national publicity secretary, Rufus Aiyenigba, told journalists that Gabam’s expulsion followed months of investigation and disciplinary procedures. He said the decision was aimed at restoring discipline and accountability within the party.
Gabam’s camp reaffirmed his leadership, stressing the SDP’s commitment to “upholding the rule of law, maintaining internal order, and protecting the integrity and reputation of the party.”
“The Alhaji Gabam leadership remains focused on building the party and strengthening the nation’s democratic ideals in partnership with loyal members,” the statement concluded.
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