…As SDP Leadership Defends internal clean-up

The Chief Magistrate Court in Wuse Zone 2, Federal Capital Territory, on Tuesday arraigned the embattled former Chairman of the Social Democratic Party, Shehu Gabam, over allegations of financial misappropriation and related offences.

Gabam, who appeared alongside Chukwuma Uchechukwu, faces a six-count charge in case file DCC/10/2026 bordering on alleged diversion of party funds, forgery, and breach of trust involving over ₦35 million. He pleaded not guilty to all charges.

The court, presided over by Chief Magistrate Amauche Onyedium, granted him bail in the sum of ₦3 million with two sureties residing within the Federal Capital Territory.

Reacting after the arraignment, SDP national chairman Sadiq Abubakar Gombe described the development as part of ongoing efforts to restore discipline and accountability within the party.

He said the party had earlier petitioned the Independent National Electoral Commission over the allegations but claimed no decisive action was taken, prompting the party to pursue legal redress.

Gombe also accused the former leadership of financial mismanagement between 2022 and 2023, insisting that the party is determined to “cleanse itself” and rebuild public trust.

The SDP leadership further referenced its national convention held in Bauchi on May 9, 2026, where a new leadership structure was affirmed.

Tensions within the party have continued to rise, with the leadership also alleging recent disruptions at its national secretariat attributed to suspected loyalists of the embattled former chairman.