The Social Democratic Party’s national chairman, Shehu Gabam, has been criticized by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Rufus Aiyenigba, for his performance over the past three years. In an interview on Arise Television’s ‘Prime Time’ program, Aiyenigba stated that Gabam’s tenure has been marked by a lack of progress.
The comments come after the party’s National Working Committee expelled Gabam and National Youth Leader Ogbonna Uchechukwu due to allegations of misconduct, financial misappropriation, and abuse of office. Despite his expulsion, Gabam claims he remains the legitimate chairman of the party.
Aiyenigba expressed disappointment that Gabam did not take the opportunity to clear his name after being suspended for four months. He noted that Gabam failed to call a National Executive Committee meeting since June 2022, which is a requirement for the party’s chairman to do so at least twice a year.
The SDP’s issues with Gabam stem from his failure to effectively lead the party during his three-year tenure. The party’s constitution requires regular NEC meetings to ensure transparency and accountability. Gabam’s inability to fulfill this obligation has raised concerns among party members about his leadership and commitment to the party’s principles.
The expulsion of Gabam and Uchechukwu has significant implications for the SDP, which is navigating a period of internal conflict. The party’s leadership will need to address the underlying issues that led to Gabam’s expulsion and work towards rebuilding trust among its members. As the party moves forward, it will be essential to prioritize transparency, accountability, and effective governance to restore its reputation and credibility.
