SDP Crisis: Gombe Insists Gabam Remains Expelled As Court Adjourns Alleged Misappropriation Case

The National Chairman of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Prof. Sadiq Abubakar Gombe, has declared that the party’s former national chairman, Alhaji Shehu Musa Gabam, remains expelled from the party.

He said neither the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) nor the courts have the constitutional powers to determine the party’s leadership.

Gombe also said SDP remained focused on repositioning itself ahead of the 2027 general election by strengthening the party’s internal structures and presenting credible candidates capable of providing Nigerians with an alternative political platform.

Speaking with journalists in Abuja yesterday, Gombe dismissed claims that Gabam had been restored to office, saying the decision of the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) to suspend and subsequently expel him remains valid.

“INEC does not determine who leads a political party, nor do the courts. On March 9, 2026, our National Executive Committee suspended and subsequently expelled Shehu Musa Gabam. That decision stands,” he said.

Gombe added that INEC monitored the NEC meeting and subsequently certified that due process was followed in line with the party’s constitution.

According to Gombe, the current leadership is concentrating on rebuilding the party ahead of the 2027 elections.

“Our focus is to strengthen the party and ensure credible leadership capable of producing candidates like our presidential candidate, Prince Adewole Adebayo, who can move Nigeria forward,” he said.

The SDP chairman also urged the judiciary to ensure that politically related cases are concluded before the 2027 general elections, saying timely determination of such matters would strengthen democratic institutions.

“Political parties are the foundation of democracy. Nigeria can only get it right when political parties are led by people with integrity, patriotism and competence,” he added.

Meanwhile, proceedings in the alleged misappropriation of party funds case instituted against Gabam and two others before an FCT Chief Magistrates’ Court in Wuse could not continue yesterday as the court did not sit.

The matter, marked Suit No. DCC/10/2026, was consequently adjourned to August 17, 2026, for continuation of hearing.

The case was filed by Gombe through a direct complaint under the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA), accusing Gabam, alongside Chukwuma Ogbonna and Uchechukwu, of allegedly misappropriating party funds. The allegations remain before the court.

Explaining why the matter could not proceed, Gombe said the court announced that it would not sit due to unforeseen circumstances.

“Today we came to court early enough. Unfortunately, the court announced that it was not sitting due to unforeseen circumstances and apologised. We have now taken August 17 as the next adjourned date for the hearing to continue,” he said.

Gombe maintained that the prosecution had consistently attended proceedings since the commencement of the trial, adding that officials of Zenith Bank also appeared with the requested statement of account but could not tender it because the court did not sit.

“There wasn’t a time the court did not sit from the commencement of this case until today. We have always been present with our lawyers. Even Zenith Bank officials came with the requested statement of account, but because the court was not sitting, they had to return on the next adjourned date,” he said.

Gombe said the bank statement would form a key part of the prosecution’s evidence when the hearing resumes.

He further alleged that a review of the party’s 2024 bank statement revealed transactions he considered suspicious, including repeated payments to an individual who, according to him, was neither a contractor nor the party’s treasurer.

The court adjourned the matter to August 17, 2026, for continuation of hearing.