Police Invite SDP Leaders Over Party Crisis

The internal crisis in the Social Democratic Party took another turn after members of the party’s National Working Committee were reportedly invited by the police in connection with the leadership dispute affecting the organisation.

SDP National Chairman, Sadiq Gombe, confirmed that he became aware of the invitation but stated that he did not personally receive any official communication. He explained that information available to him showed that the invitation covered members of the NWC and was connected to events surrounding the attempted takeover of the party headquarters.

Gombe said the party leadership had previously engaged security authorities before the latest development. According to him, petitions had already been submitted to the Inspector-General of Police over allegations of financial misconduct involving the party’s former national chairman and claims involving hundreds of millions of naira.

He explained that party officials had followed up on the matter for months and claimed earlier requests for investigation had not produced results. According to him, reminders were later sent to encourage further action.

The SDP chairman also expressed dissatisfaction over what he described as slow responses from law enforcement and other agencies despite petitions submitted to institutions including anti-corruption bodies and security agencies.

On the issue of the party’s disciplinary actions, Gombe maintained that due process was followed. He said a disciplinary committee was set up to examine allegations and provide an opportunity for those involved to respond but claimed some individuals did not appear before the panel.

According to him, the committee’s findings were later reviewed by another internal panel which eventually recommended expulsions. He maintained that leadership decisions remain internal matters for political parties and argued that such issues should not be determined outside party structures.

The crisis within the SDP has continued to deepen following disagreements over who holds legitimate leadership authority, with legal and administrative disagreements adding to the dispute.

Reports indicate that about two weeks earlier, former National Chairman Shehu Gabam allegedly returned to the party secretariat in Abuja with security personnel in an effort to reclaim control of the office.

The dispute dates back to October 2025 when Gabam, alongside other party officials including Uchechukwu and National Auditor Clarkson Nnadi, was expelled over allegations relating to misconduct and financial issues.

The latest police invitation now adds another layer to the ongoing struggle over the control and future direction of the party.