Violence Erupts at Social Democratic Party Headquarters Amid Leadership Dispute
A tense situation unfolded at the national headquarters of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) in Abuja on Tuesday, as suspected thugs launched an attack on journalists following a significant internal crisis within the party. This outbreak of violence coincided with the announcement from a faction of the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) regarding the suspension of key officials, including National Chairman Alhaji Musa Gabam, National Auditor Nnadi Clarkson, and National Youth Leader Chukwuma Uchechukwu, due to allegations of financial misconduct.
Assault on Journalists
As journalists gathered for a scheduled press briefing at the SDP secretariat, chaos erupted when attackers, reportedly loyal to the suspended chairman Gabam, assaulted them. The atmosphere turned chaotic shortly after the NWC publicly declared the suspensions through the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Araba Aiyenigba.
Allegations of Financial Misconduct
The suspensions were reportedly based on serious allegations of unauthorized financial activities. According to the NWC’s statement, substantial evidence was presented that implicated the suspended officials in various financial improprieties, including unauthorized transactions and personal enrichment schemes. The statement highlighted that these officials had moved funds from the party’s accounts without proper approval, raising significant concerns within the party’s leadership.
Further escalating the situation, Gabam allegedly submitted an unauthorized financial report to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), which led to a summary of questionable accounts being published in the media. This action reportedly alarmed many within the party, prompting the NWC to notify law enforcement agencies and initiate a comprehensive internal investigation into the financial dealings of the suspended officials.
New Leadership Interim Measures
In light of the ongoing turmoil, the NWC appointed Dr. Sadiq Umar Abubakar, the Deputy National Chairman for the North, as the acting National Chairman while investigations are underway. Aiyenigba also announced the formation of an interim investigative panel tasked with auditing all financial records, particularly focusing on transactions related to proceeds from nomination forms sold ahead of the 2023 general elections, which are suspected to have been misused.
The NWC emphasized its commitment to transparency and integrity, stating, “The party will not shield any individual found guilty. Our goal is to restore public confidence in the SDP as a credible alternative for national leadership.”
Gabam’s Response to Suspension Claims
In a press conference held at the party’s headquarters, Gabam vehemently denied the claims of his suspension, referring to them as “fake news” and an act of political sabotage. He asserted his position as the legitimate National Chairman, claiming that no official NWC meeting had been convened to discuss his suspension and that the reports were entirely unfounded.
Gabam accused unnamed political adversaries of attempting to destabilize the SDP from within, suggesting that these forces aimed either to take control of the party or to dismantle it entirely. “They see us as a threat—too strong to manipulate. That’s why they are fueling internal chaos,” he stated.
Concerns Over Democratic Integrity
Gabam raised alarms about the implications of such internal conflicts for democracy in Nigeria. He urged President Bola Tinubu to ensure that security agencies are not used as instruments of political intimidation. “This is dangerous territory for our democracy,” he warned. “Once dissenting voices are no longer tolerated, democracy is under threat.”
Addressing the financial misconduct allegations, Gabam maintained his innocence, asserting that all transactions conducted under his leadership were thoroughly documented and transparent.
SDP’s Role in Future Politics
The SDP is increasingly viewed as a potential vehicle for coalition groups aiming to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the upcoming 2027 elections. Following a fallout with the party, ex-Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai joined the SDP, rallying support for political opposition against the current administration.
As the situation continues to unfold, the SDP faces critical challenges that could shape its future and influence Nigeria’s political landscape significantly. The outcome of the internal investigations and leadership disputes will likely play a pivotal role in defining the party’s trajectory moving forward.
