SDP Crisis Erupts in Abuja as Gabam’s Supporters Clash with Adebayo’s Loyalists, NWC Suspends Chairman Over Embezzlement

On Tuesday, June 24, 2025, a violent clash broke out at the Social Democratic Party (SDP) national secretariat in Abuja’s Wuse 2, at 16 Nairobi Street, during a National Working Committee (NWC) meeting, pitting supporters of National Chairman Alhaji Shehu Musa Gabam against those loyal to the party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Adewole Adebayo. The conflict, which began at 11:20 AM, escalated into a free-for-all, resulting in the destruction of the secretariat’s gate, injuries to several individuals, and attacks on journalists, including a Punch reporter, Francis Adebayo, whose clothes were torn, and Arise TV, whose camera was briefly seized. Security personnel and suspected thugs, allegedly aligned with Gabam’s faction, overpowered Adebayo’s supporters and National Publicity Secretary Araba Rufus Aiyenigba’s camp, with police from Wuse Division and the FCT Command intervening to restore order. A private security source claimed the chaos erupted when Gabam’s loyalists were locked out to prevent their entry, leading to the gate’s demolition.

The NWC announced the immediate suspension of Gabam, National Auditor Nze Nnadi Clarkson, and National Youth Leader Uchechukwu Chukwuma, citing “gross financial misconduct, embezzlement, misappropriation, and diversion of party funds” amounting to hundreds of millions of naira, including 2023 election nomination form proceeds. Aiyenigba’s statement, invoking Articles 19.1, 19.3(i), and 19.5 of the SDP’s 2022 Constitution, detailed unauthorized financial transactions and personal enrichment schemes, with an interim panel formed to audit records and Deputy National Chairman Dr. Sadiq Umar Abubakar appointed acting chairman. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and anti-graft agencies were notified. The Forum of State Chairmen, led by Femi Olaniyi, endorsed the suspension, criticizing Gabam’s faction for “gangsterism” and noting state chapters’ struggles with rent despite misappropriated funds.

Gabam rejected the suspension as “fake news” and “political mischief,” insisting he remains chairman, flanked by NWC loyalists at the secretariat. He accused an opposition coalition, reportedly involving former Kaduna Governor Nasir El-Rufai, who joined the SDP in March 2025, of orchestrating the crisis to hijack or destabilize the party ahead of 2027 elections. Gabam claimed no official NWC meeting authorized his suspension, citing INEC’s rejection of a meeting request lacking his signature, and denied financial misconduct, asserting bank records would vindicate him. He appealed to the government to prevent security agencies from being misused, warning of democratic threats. Adebayo, however, distanced himself from claims that El-Rufai represents the SDP in coalition talks, per Legit.ng. The crisis, with 33.9% inflation (NBS April 2025) and public discontent as backdrop, underscores SDP’s internal power struggle, with X posts like @SaharaReporters and @MobilePunch highlighting the violence and Gabam’s defiance.