SDP Dismisses Expulsion of National Chairman, Declares Parallel Meeting Illegal

The Social Democratic Party, SDP, has dismissed reports of the expulsion of its National Chairman, Alhaji Shehu Musa Gabam, Uchechukwu, and others from the party, describing the development as an illegal and desperate move by impostors to destabilize the party.

In a statement issued in Abuja by the
Special Assistant (Legal) Abubakar Baba to the SDP National Chairman, the party said the purported meeting, presided over by one Dr. Sadiq, who claimed to be the Acting Chairman, was unconstitutional, null, and void.

“The said meeting is illegal, null and void, and of no effect whatsoever,” the statement declared, citing Article 13 (iv) of the party’s constitution, which stipulates that only the National Chairman is empowered to preside over meetings of the National Convention, National Executive Committee, National Working Committee, and the National Caucus.

The SDP emphasized that any meeting convened or presided over without the consent of the duly recognized Chairman constitutes a gross violation of the party’s constitution and a brazen attempt to usurp legitimate authority.

The statement also faulted the party’s National Secretary, Dr. Olu Agunloye, for allegedly writing a letter to the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, to communicate the purported decisions of the illegal meeting, describing the action as a violation of Part 2 (12) 3 of the INEC Regulations and Guidelines for Political Parties (2022).

To buttress its position, the SDP said it had attached a Certified True Copy (CTC) from INEC confirming the recognized leadership of the party under Alhaji Shehu Gabam as National Chairman.

“The purported suspension of the Chairman and all other members of the party is null and void and of no effect whatsoever,” the statement reiterated.

The party further took a swipe at the Secretary, alleging that he was currently facing trial for forgery and other fraudulent acts and therefore lacked the moral standing to accuse loyal members of wrongdoing.

“In a sane clime, he ought to have resigned to prove his innocence in court,” the statement added.

The SDP maintained that Dr. Sadiq was neither a member of the party nor a member of its National Executive Committee and thus had no authority to preside over any of its meetings.

“The general public is hereby advised to disregard the actions of the Dr. Sadiq-led group as they are impostors and will be duly punished by law for their illegal actions,” the party warned.

Reaffirming its commitment to upholding the rule of law and internal order, the SDP said the Gabam-led leadership remains focused on strengthening the party and advancing democratic ideals in the country.

“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.

PR Oduyemi Odumade