SDP NWC Members Invited By Police Over Secretariat Dispute

According to reports, the National Chairman of the SDP, Sadiq Gombe, confirmed the development during an interview on Saturday, stating that although he did not personally receive a formal invitation, he was informed that all members of the NWC had been summoned in connection with the incident.

Gombe explained that the invitation was linked to the lingering leadership dispute within the party and the alleged failed attempt to forcefully take over the SDP headquarters. He maintained that the party leadership was prepared to cooperate with security agencies if required.

He further disclosed that the SDP had previously submitted petitions to the Inspector-General of Police over allegations involving the party’s expelled former National Chairman, Shehu Gabam. According to him, the petitions accused Gabam of alleged fraudulent financial activities amounting to ₦626 million.

Gombe revealed that the matter had remained under investigation for months without any visible outcome, despite repeated reminders sent to the police authorities. He added that the petitions were also forwarded to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, and the Department of State Services over allegations of financial misconduct.

Speaking on the disciplinary actions within the party, Gombe stated that those accused were given the opportunity to appear before a disciplinary panel headed by Sadiq Lima but allegedly failed to honour the invitation. He noted that the committee sat for two weeks at the party’s national headquarters before a white paper committee later recommended the expulsion of the affected officials.

The SDP chairman insisted that the decisions taken by the party followed due process and were in line with both the party’s constitution and the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. He also dismissed suggestions that external institutions such as the Independent National Electoral Commission could determine the authentic leadership of the party, stressing that leadership matters remained strictly internal affairs.

The latest development comes amid worsening tensions in the SDP following conflicting claims over the party’s national leadership. Reports indicate that two weeks earlier, Gabam allegedly arrived at the party’s Abuja secretariat accompanied by armed policemen in a bid to reclaim control of the party structure.

The leadership crisis reportedly intensified after Gabam, alongside other party officials including the national youth leader and National Auditor Clarkson Nnadi, was expelled over allegations bordering on misconduct and financial impropriety.