The Forum of State Chairmen of the Social Democratic Party, SDP, has welcomed the final dismissal of the party’s former National Chairman, Alhaji Shehu Gabam, describing the decision as a long overdue corrective surgery.
Speaking at a press briefing held at the SDP National Secretariat in Abuja, the Forum’s Chairman, Mr. Femi Olaniyi who explained that the dismissal will restore discipline, credibility, and integrity within the party commended the National Working Committee (NWC) for standing firm in its pursuit of justice and truth.
According to Olaniyi, the decision to dismiss Gabam and the former National Youth Speaker, Ogbonna Uchechukwu, followed a thorough investigation by a disciplinary committee headed by Air Vice Marshal Abubakar Sadia Liman.
“This development brings us joy as it will stabilize our party and enhance our credibility, encouraging Nigerians to see us as a genuine alternative, the issues that have destabilized the SDP will finally be eliminated once and for all” Olaniyi said. “
He said the committee’s report, which was reviewed and adopted by the NWC, found both men guilty of financial malpractices, abuse of office, and gross violation of the SDP Constitution.
“We, the 37 SDP State Chairmen, unanimously support the sanctions against Shehu Gabam and Ogbonna Uchechukwu, These dismissed charlatans have caused enormous damage to the image, spirit, and ethos of the SDP through acts of betrayal, disloyalty, and wanton abuse of office” Olaniyi declared.
Olaniyi alleged that a significant portion of the party’s funds was embezzled under Gabam’s leadership.
“As you all know, 75 percent of the embezzled funds nearly a billion naira belong to the states, We need our money back and cannot forgo it. The matter will be taken to the EFCC and the Nigerian Police for full investigation and recovery” he said.
The Forum praised the new Acting National Chairman, Professor Sadiq Abubakar Gombe, and the National Secretary, Dr. Olu Agunloye, expressing full confidence in the current National Working Committee.
“We commend the NWC for its justice with mercy toward those who showed remorse and resigned voluntarily, We now have a leadership that upholds fairness, accountability, and respect for due process” Olaniyi stated.
He added that the SDP had demonstrated transparency throughout the disciplinary process, keeping institutions such as INEC, the Police, DSS, and the Civil Defence informed at every stage.
The Forum also called for the immediate constitution of the Board of Trustees (BoT) to strengthen internal checks and promote collective leadership.
Olaniyi urged Nigerians to be cautious of what he described as “media manipulation” by those expelled from the party, accusing them of trying to mislead the public.
The Forum reaffirmed its commitment to rebuilding the SDP as a credible opposition platform that stands for social justice, discipline, and the welfare of all Nigerians.
“Let us serve the Nigerian people and retire selfish interests once and for all,” Olaniyi concluded. God bless the SDP, and God bless Nigeria.”
The press conference ended with a call for all party members to begin a fresh round of grassroots mobilization and sensitization across all 36 states and the FCT.
