SDP Leadership Crisis Escalates With Key Expulsions
Nigeria’s Social Democratic Party (SDP) faces deepening turmoil. A faction loyal to Chairman Shehu Gabam expelled 2023 presidential candidate Adewole Adebayo. The expulsion includes five other national officers over alleged anti-party activities.
Expelled Officials and Constitutional Basis
The removed members include National Legal Adviser Aderemi Abimbola and Organising Secretary Joseph Abu. Also expelled were Woman Leader Sa’adatu Abdullahi, Publicity Secretary Aiyenigba Rufus, and Treasurer Maggie Batubo. The faction stated the decision followed extensive deliberations during an emergency NWC meeting.
Factional spokesperson Ambassador Judith Shua’ibu explained the expulsions. “The NWC invoked constitutional provisions against gross misconduct,” she stated. She cited anti-party actions that threatened the SDP’s stability.
Additional Accusations and Warnings
Shua’ibu further accused National Secretary Dr. Olu Agunloye of misconduct. She claimed he filed misleading police petitions and blocked secretariat access. “His actions destabilize the party,” she told Abuja reporters.
The faction also identified four individuals as non-members. Rosemary Effiong, Sadiq Abubakar, Ugochukwu Uba, and Ado Hussieni were declared impostors. Shua’ibu warned against their “mischievous impersonation” of SDP officials.
Call for Party Unity
Amid the crisis, the Gabam-led faction urged members nationwide to stay focused. They advised against distractions from internal conflicts. The leadership emphasized commitment to resolving disputes constitutionally.
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