In a rare show of internal accountability in Nigerian politics, state chairmen of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) have thrown their weight behind the suspension of the party’s national chairman, Shehu Musa Gabam, over alleged financial misconduct, declaring the action as a bold step toward restoring integrity, justice, and internal democracy in the party.

Speaking at a press conference in Abuja on Friday, the Forum of SDP State Chairmen applauded the National Working Committee (NWC) for taking what they called a “principled and constitutionally grounded decision” to suspend Gabam, alongside National Auditor Clarkson Nnadi and National Youth Leader Ogbonna Chukuwma, over what the forum described as grave allegations of graft and abuse of office.

The chairmen insisted that, contrary to public perception, the party is not in crisis but undergoing necessary cleansing to protect its soul and prepare it for national leadership.

“We are committed to internal democracy and cannot continue to criticise the ruling party’s corruption while ignoring the rot within. He who comes to equity must come with clean hands,” the forum declared.

The chairmen further revealed that the decision was long overdue, citing repeated violations of the party’s financial structure and deliberate marginalisation of state chapters by the suspended chairman.

According to them, no state chapter received its constitutionally allocated percentage from party funds despite multiple demands. Instead, they alleged, inquiries about financial remittances were often met with threats and intimidation.

“It became a case of ‘monkey dey work, baboon dey chop,'” one chairman said. “We have had enough of autocracy, financial opacity, and manipulation.”

The forum also decried the absence of National Executive Committee (NEC) meetings under Gabam’s leadership, calling it a gross violation of the SDP Constitution.

They urged the Acting National Chairman and National Secretary to immediately convene a NEC meeting and run a transparent, constitution-compliant administration.

In a striking rebuke, the forum described the attitude of the suspended officials as arrogant and dismissive, noting their continued posturing and media engagements despite being formally suspended. They warned them against parading themselves as party leaders or engaging with INEC or party offices, pending the outcome of the disciplinary investigation.

“This is not a political drama. These are serious matters requiring honest answers and swift resolutions,” they said.

The forum also announced its intention to nominate one of its own to the Disciplinary Investigation Panel to ensure fairness and grassroots inclusion in the ongoing probe. It stressed the need for full disclosure of findings and complete independence for the investigation body.

Beyond internal reforms, the chairmen issued a stern warning to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), urging it to respect the SDP’s autonomy and refrain from interfering in the internal affairs of political parties.

“There’s growing public concern that INEC has become complicit in destabilising opposition parties by taking sides with wrongdoers. Let it be known that we are following our constitution, and INEC must do the same,” they said.

The forum rejected insinuations that the suspension saga is linked to 2027 ambitions, coalition alignments, or external influence, stating instead that the move is about reclaiming the moral high ground and saving the party’s soul.

“We cannot fight corruption in government while embracing it at home. The SDP must be, and must be seen to be, above board—more than even Caesar’s wife,” they said.

They concluded by reiterating their commitment to true federalism, internal democracy, and accountable leadership, and reassured members across the country that the SDP remains Nigeria’s only credible political alternative.

“If Nigerians are to trust any political platform again, it must be one that rejects hypocrisy, theft, and entitlement. We’re choosing to be that platform,” the forum stated.