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By Tracy Moses The National Chairman of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Alhaji Shehu Gabam, has faulted his reported expulsion from the party, describing it as “a nullity and a baseless charade.” He maintained that he remains the lawfully elected and INEC-recognised National Chairman of the party. Appearing on a national television programme on Sunday night, Gabam described the internal unrest within the SDP as “an artificially orchestrated political operation,” accusing certain forces of deliberately stirring chaos to weaken the party’s rising popularity and independent voice in national politics. According to him, those behind his alleged removal lack both legitimacy and recognition from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). “INEC is in possession of the certified true copy of our 2022 National Convention held at the International Conference Centre, Abuja, where my executive was duly elected,” Gabam said. “None of those parading themselves as party leaders appear on that document. Even Sadik, who presided over their so-called meeting, is not a registered member of the SDP.” He noted that the police had been duly informed of the authentic leadership recognised by INEC and urged security agencies to probe those trying to hijack the party’s structures. Reacting to allegations of financial impropriety and abuse of office, Gabam dismissed the claims as “cheap political fabrications without any shred of truth.” He accused the party’s National Secretary, Dr. Olu Agunloye, who made the allegations, of acting in bad faith, recalling that the same official had earlier petitioned the Inspector General of Police, a process which uncovered no evidence of wrongdoing. “The police invited him to prove his allegations, but no report has been released,” Gabam said. “Instead, he went ahead to create a kangaroo committee of his allies to investigate me. I was never invited or interrogated. It’s all a political smear campaign.” Gabam further disclosed that his life had been under threat amid the crisis. “Armed men came after me with AK-47s to assassinate me,” he recounted. “But I chose not to drag the SDP into that mess because I respect the institution we are building.” He observed that the turbulence in the SDP reflects a broader pattern of instability in opposition parties, remarking that “no political party in Nigeria today stands completely independent of the ruling APC.” Gabam also denied claims that his issues with certain members of the party were connected to animosity toward President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, saying he maintains mutual respect for the President. “I have no personal problem with President Tinubu,” he clarified. “In fact, when he was having internal challenges within the APC and considered joining the SDP, we had a cordial and mature conversation. Eventually, he decided to remain in the APC. Since then, I’ve neither met him nor received any message from him. Anyone suggesting otherwise is simply spreading lies born of political insecurity.” The SDP Chairman emphasized that his party’s criticisms of government policies were not rooted in hostility but in patriotism and good faith. “Every stance we’ve taken on national issues has been guided by the interest of the country,” he said. “I’ll never be part of any plan to pull down a government because the consequences are unpredictable.” Responding to reports that SDP state chairmen endorsed his removal, Gabam described the claim as “false, misleading, and completely unfounded.” “The so-called chairman of chairmen is not even a substantive chairman,” he said. “He’s been acting as Lagos State chairman for years, and his tenure expired long ago. There are multiple factions within the forum of chairmen itself.” He confirmed that the police had temporarily sealed off the party’s national secretariat in Abuja following violent confrontations between rival groups, adding that he deliberately avoided the scene to prevent escalation. “As a responsible leader, I refused to force my way into the secretariat because anything could be planted there and used against me,” he said. “The police acted prudently to stop further violence, and I respect their decision.” Despite the ongoing power tussle, Gabam reaffirmed his commitment to safeguarding the unity and image of the SDP. “I’ll never do anything to destroy the SDP,” he vowed. “But I won’t allow anyone to tarnish my name. Nigerians should know that I didn’t instigate this crisis. I’m managing it with maturity, and history will remember those responsible.” Restating his position, Gabam declared, “I remain the authentic National Chairman of the Social Democratic Party. Those trying to hijack the SDP are acting under political instructions, but ultimately, the truth will triumph.”
