The Social Democratic Party (SDP) has reaffirmed that its former National Chairman, Shehu Gabam, remains expelled and is no longer a member of the party. In a statement released in Abuja, the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Rufus Aiyenigba, also confirmed that Dr. Sadiq Gombe continues to serve as the current national chairman.
The clarification comes amid public confusion following recent Court of Appeal rulings linked to the Ekiti State governorship primary held on August 8, 2025. The SDP accused Gabam of misrepresenting the court’s decisions in an attempt to mislead the public and regain political relevance, warning that false information, if left unchallenged, could be accepted as truth.
According to the party, the court rulings being discussed only addressed disputes from governorship primaries in Ekiti and Osun states and had no bearing on the party’s leadership. Speaking on Gabam’s status, the SDP said he was first suspended in June 2025 and later expelled in October 2025 over alleged financial misconduct. The party noted that his expulsion was confirmed by its National Executive Committee on March 9, 2026, in a meeting observed by the electoral body.
The party maintained that Gabam is also facing criminal charges related to alleged misuse of party funds.
The SDP’s statement underscores ongoing internal disputes and the party’s efforts to maintain transparency and clarity regarding its leadership structure amid legal and political challenges.
