The internal crisis rocking the Social Democratic Party (SDP) has deepened following the takeover of the party’s national secretariat in Abuja and fresh allegations of political interference ahead of its planned national convention in Bauchi.
The party leadership led by National Chairman, Sadiq Gombe, on Thursday insisted that the convention would proceed as scheduled despite what it described as coordinated attempts to destabilise the party through security intimidation and external manipulation.
Gombe said disciplinary actions taken against former National Chairman, Shehu Gabam, and the former national financial secretary followed investigations into allegations of misconduct, financial infractions and constitutional violations.
According to him, a committee established by the party’s National Working Committee invited all affected officials to defend themselves, but some failed to appear before the panel.
He explained that the committee later recommended their expulsion, which was subsequently ratified by the National Executive Committee.
The SDP leadership maintained that its National Executive Committee meeting held on March 9, 2026, was formally communicated to the Independent National Electoral Commission and monitored by officials of the commission.
Gombe stated that all resolutions reached at the meeting, including leadership confirmations and disciplinary measures, were validly adopted and properly documented.
The crisis escalated after party officials alleged that armed police operatives stormed the SDP national secretariat in Abuja, ordered staff members out of the premises and sealed the building.
Gombe described the operation as suspicious, alleging that individuals linked to a rival faction were later escorted into the secretariat under police protection.
The party further accused INEC and some political interests of interfering in its internal affairs, warning that such actions could undermine democratic principles and the constitutional independence of political parties.
National Secretary, Olu Agunloye, also faulted what he described as unusual regulatory engagement by INEC, insisting that there was no unresolved dispute affecting the party’s leadership or planned convention.
Despite the growing tension, the SDP leadership reaffirmed that its national convention would hold in Bauchi as planned after securing an alternative venue.
Meanwhile, Gabam announced that his faction would hold a separate convention in Abuja on May 17, setting the stage for a deeper leadership battle within the party.
