The National Publicity Secretary of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Rufus Aiyenigba, has defended the expulsion of the party’s former National Chairman, Shehu Gabam, saying the decision followed due process and that Gabam failed to clear himself of multiple allegations of misconduct.
Speaking during an interview on ARISE News on Monday, Aiyenigba said Gabam’s expulsion was the outcome of months of internal investigations, disciplinary proceedings, and repeated invitations which the former chairman allegedly ignored.
“I pity the former chairman for not taking the opportunities available to him to clear his name,” Aiyenigba said. “He had issues with the party, was suspended, and was out of office for four months. He was given the chance to come and defend himself but ignored it.”
The SDP spokesman accused Gabam of running the party in violation of its constitution, refusing to convene mandatory meetings, and sidelining key organs of the party during his three-year leadership.
“He never called a National Executive Committee meeting once since June 2022,” Aiyenigba said. “He was supposed to hold NEC meetings at least twice a year and National Working Committee meetings twice a month, but he avoided meetings until we forced him to act in March this year.
“For three years, he refused to allow the party to have a full complement of the NWC because he feared competent hands would check his excesses. We said no — the SDP is not a one-man show.”
Aiyenigba explained that the decision to suspend and later expel Gabam was taken by the majority of the party’s leadership, who then notified the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in line with the law.
“Eleven out of fifteen members signed the resolution to look into the allegations,” he said. “A committee headed by a retired Air Vice Marshal invited Gabam formally. The letter was delivered to his house and sent to his WhatsApp. He read it but never responded.”
He dismissed Gabam’s claim that the party secretariat had been taken over by police, saying the premises remain open and operational.
“It’s not true that the police locked the secretariat,” Aiyenigba said. “We’ve held several press briefings there since then. The police only came to secure the premises after thugs loyal to Gabam and the expelled youth leader attacked the gate and fired gunshots into the air. We submitted videos and evidence to the FCT Police Command.”
The SDP spokesman also accused Gabam of financial misconduct and forgery, noting that law enforcement agencies had been petitioned and were already investigating the matter.
“Now that he’s out of the system, he will face prosecution,” Aiyenigba stated. “We have done what is right in accordance with the law and our party constitution.”
Responding to concerns about the impact of the crisis on the party’s image, Aiyenigba said the internal shake-up was a step toward reform and renewal.
“This is part of internal cleansing,” he said. “People are now more comfortable with the SDP because they see that we can hold our leaders accountable. The party was in the hands of one man, and we had to take it back to the people.”
He denied allegations by Gabam that the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) was interfering in the party’s internal affairs.
“The SDP has no business with the APC,” Aiyenigba said. “Whatever problems he has are personal. The SDP is focused on rebuilding itself and strengthening internal democracy.”
On reconciliation, Aiyenigba said the party remains open to peace but will not compromise its principles.
“I have no personal issue with Gabam,” he said. “The SDP is not anybody’s property. We stepped in to take the party back to the people. If anyone shows genuine repentance and commitment to our values, we are open to working with them.”
Boluwatife Enome
About the Author
