The Youth Vanguard of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) has described the probe panel set up against the National Chairman of the party, Alhaji Shehu Gabam, as unconstitutional and politically motivated.

Rising from an emergency meeting held in Abuja on Sunday, the group, under the umbrella of SDP Youths Vanguard, passed a vote of confidence on Gabam while commending his leadership style and unwavering commitment to repositioning the party for success in the 2027 general elections.

In a statement jointly signed by its coordinator, Alhaji Taofeek Lawal, and secretary, Comrade Grace Anthony, the group accused those behind the probe panel of acting in bad faith and alleged that the same individuals who levelled allegations against Gabam were responsible for setting up the panel.

Citing Article 13 of the party’s constitution, the group argued that Gabam, as National Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the party, had not committed any offence to warrant the actions being taken against him.

They called for the immediate disbandment of the panel and urged party members to use internal mechanisms for resolving grievances.

“You cannot be a judge in your own case. The people who raised issues against the National Chairman are the same ones who constituted the probe panel. Moreover, the members of the panel are not known to the party,” the statement read.

The youths also revealed that their independent inquiry with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) showed there was no approval granted for the National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting that reportedly suspended Gabam.

They described Gabam as a true democrat and a man of impeccable character, adding that unlike others, he is not a political contractor but a leader focused on building a credible platform for aspirants ahead of 2027.

The group urged aggrieved members to put the interest of the party above personal ambitions and to embrace peace.

The statement added: “We should close our ranks and be united for a successful outing in the coming 2027 general elections. Alhaji Gabam is not a political contractor like others. Party members and the officials should rally support for him. SDP is a credible platform for credible politicians aspiring for political offices come 2027.

“If there are genuine grievances against him, there are many ways to address such concerns through internal mechanisms and not to come up with a heap of lies to discredit his personality and the name of the party as is being done now.

“We are appealing to those behind the cheap blackmail to retrace their steps in the interest of the party. We are not taking sides but speaking facts and the truth. We should not allow external people to destabilise our great party at this crucial time.”