The leadership crisis rocking the Social Democratic Party (SDP) escalated on Monday as the party’s National Chairman, Sadiq Abubakar Gombe, warned the Independent National Electoral Commission against interfering in the party’s internal affairs while insisting that the expulsion of former party leader Shehu Musa Gabam over alleged corruption and financial misconduct remains valid and irreversible.
Gombe spoke after a meeting with INEC in Abuja convened to address the deepening internal disputes within the SDP, declaring that the party’s disciplinary actions were carried out strictly in line with its constitution and cannot be overturned through external pressure.
According to him, the SDP National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting held on March 9, 2026, at Newton Park Hotel and Resort ratified Gabam’s expulsion over allegations of corruption, financial mismanagement, and breaches of the party constitution.
He stressed that the resolutions of the NEC were formally communicated to INEC and duly monitored by the commission, insisting that the decisions remain binding on all party members.
Gombe revealed that Gabam and other affected officials were given opportunities to defend themselves before the party’s disciplinary committee but argued that those challenging the decision failed to exhaust the SDP’s internal dispute resolution procedures before seeking outside intervention.
The SDP chairman maintained that political parties have constitutional powers to regulate their internal leadership and disciplinary matters, warning that INEC’s role remains purely regulatory.
He specifically cautioned the electoral body against using its portal or administrative processes in ways that could be interpreted as determining leadership for political parties.
Describing the meeting with INEC as “constructive and frank,” Gombe said the party made its position clear despite differing opinions raised during deliberations.
He further stated that the SDP has already concluded its national convention and presidential primaries in a transparent and credible manner, adding that the party remains stable and focused on preparations for the 2027 general elections.
Gombe said the disciplinary measures taken by the party were aimed at protecting accountability, internal discipline, and public trust within the SDP.