Introduction to the Crisis
The crisis rocking the Social Democratic Party (SDP) has taken a fresh twist as the faction led by the National Chairman, Shehu Musa Gabam, announced the expulsion of the party’s former presidential candidate, Prince Adewale Adebayo, and several others for alleged anti-party activities.
Allegations Against Party Members
The faction also accused the National Secretary, Dr. Olu Agunloye, of gross misconduct, contempt of court, and attempts to destabilise the party through misinformation and abuse of public institutions. Addressing journalists in Abuja, the National Publicity Secretary, Ambassador Judith Shua’ibu, said the decision followed extensive deliberations during an emergency meeting of the National Working Committee (NWC) held on October 24, 2025.
Details of the Meeting
According to her, the meeting was convened to address “pressing issues affecting the peace, progress, and institutional integrity of the party,” while reaffirming the SDP’s commitment to transparency, unity, and internal democracy. Shua’ibu accused Agunloye of operating “far outside the bounds of law, fairness, and party discipline,” alleging that instead of engaging constructively, he had filed frivolous petitions with the Nigeria Police Force and made false claims against national officers.
Abuse of Privilege and Assault on Party Integrity
She claimed that Agunloye had gone as far as alleging theft and burglary at the SDP national secretariat — accusations she dismissed as baseless — while allegedly deploying police personnel to block access to the facility. “These actions constitute an abuse of privilege and a direct assault on both the party’s integrity and the credibility of state institutions,” she said.
Disregard for Judicial Processes
The spokesperson further faulted Agunloye for disregarding ongoing judicial processes by taking unilateral actions while cases involving him were still pending in court. “Is Dr. Agunloye afraid of the outcomes of the very cases he initiated, or is he attempting to impose his personal dictates on our party through external manipulation?” she queried.
Ethnic Narratives and Misinformation
The faction also expressed concern over what it described as “reckless and dangerous ethnic narratives” being promoted by certain disgruntled elements within the party. Shua’ibu said such individuals were exploiting ethnic sentiments and spreading misinformation about the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to delegitimise national institutions.
Attempts to Delegitimise National Institutions
She alleged that some of these actors had even hinted at replacing the INEC Chairman to advance personal or ethnic agendas — a move she described as “mischievous and harmful to Nigeria’s democracy.”
Expulsion of Members
Citing Article 19.3 (vi)(e) of the SDP Constitution, the NWC announced the expulsion of the following members with immediate effect: Aderemi Abimbola, Joseph Achile Abu, Sa’adatu Abdullahi, Aiyenigba Rufus, and Maggie Mariam Batubo. Shua’ibu also clarified the status of some individuals parading themselves as SDP officials, naming Rosemary A. Effiong, Sadiq Abubakar, Ugochukwu Uba, and Ado Hussieni as impostors.
Impostors and Misleading Activities
She noted that Hussieni had long been expelled and therefore lacked the authority to represent the party in any capacity. “The public is hereby advised to disregard the activities of these impostors whose actions are mischievous, baseless, and intended to mislead,” she stated.
Reiteration of Party Position
Reiterating the faction’s position, Shua’ibu emphasised that the SDP remains a disciplined and law-abiding political institution committed to transparency and accountability. “The SDP is not at war with itself, but it will not condone lawlessness, intimidation, or impunity under any guise,” she stressed.
Call to Party Members
She urged party members nationwide to remain steadfast and not be distracted by the antics of a few individuals pursuing personal gain at the expense of collective progress. “The Social Democratic Party remains united, strong, and focused on providing Nigerians with a credible, people-centred alternative. We stand firm in our commitment to justice, fairness, and accountable leadership,” she declared.
Conclusion
The crisis within the SDP highlights the challenges faced by political parties in maintaining unity and discipline among their members. The actions taken by the faction led by Shehu Musa Gabam aim to address these issues and reaffirm the party’s commitment to its principles and the democratic process.
FAQs
- Q: Who has been expelled from the SDP?
A: The SDP has expelled several members, including its former presidential candidate, Prince Adewale Adebayo, and others for alleged anti-party activities. - Q: What allegations have been made against Dr. Olu Agunloye?
A: Dr. Agunloye has been accused of gross misconduct, contempt of court, and attempts to destabilise the party through misinformation and abuse of public institutions. - Q: What is the SDP’s stance on the actions of Dr. Agunloye and other disgruntled members?
A: The SDP views these actions as a direct assault on the party’s integrity and the credibility of state institutions, and it has taken disciplinary measures to address them. - Q: How does the SDP plan to move forward from this crisis?
A: The SDP remains committed to transparency, unity, and internal democracy, and it urges its members to stay focused on providing Nigerians with a credible, people-centred alternative.
