The Social Democratic Party (SDP) is currently embroiled in a severe internal crisis, which has escalated with a faction loyal to Shehu Gabam announcing the expulsion of its 2023 presidential candidate, Adewale Adebayo, and several other prominent members. These expulsions stem from allegations of anti-party activities and gross misconduct, further deepening the schism within the party.

Among those expelled alongside Adebayo are key national officers including Aderemi Abimbola, the national legal adviser; Joseph Abu, the national organising secretary; Sa’adatu Abdullahi, the national woman leader; Aiyenigba Rufus, the national publicity secretary; and Maggie Batubo, the national treasurer. This move by the Gabam-led faction is a direct response to an earlier action where a faction led by Sadiq Abubakar Gombe had suspended Gabam and nine of his loyalists.

The Gabam-led faction justified the expulsion of the presidential candidate and his aligned national officers, stating that the decision followed extensive deliberations during an emergency session of the National Working Committee (NWC). Ambassador Judith Shua’ibu, the factional National Publicity Secretary, revealed these developments in Abuja over the weekend. She also leveled serious accusations against Dr. Olu Agunloye, the SDP National Secretary, citing gross misconduct, contempt of court, and deliberate attempts to destabilize the party through misinformation and abuse of institutional processes.

Shua’ibu elaborated that the NWC meeting was specifically convened to address "pressing issues affecting the peace, progress, and institutional integrity of the party," underscoring the SDP’s commitment to transparency, unity, and internal democracy. She emphasized that Agunloye's conduct, as a former national officer, had become a significant concern, accusing him of operating "far outside the bounds of law, fairness, and party discipline."

Furthermore, Shua’ibu alleged that instead of collaborating with the party leadership to resolve existing differences, Agunloye had resorted to filing petitions with the Nigerian Police Force, making baseless claims against national officials, and misleading security agencies. She stated, "Instead of cooperating with law enforcement in good faith, Dr Agunloye has been feeding the Nigerian Police with misleading information and using police personnel to block access to the national secretariat, preventing law-abiding members and executives from accessing their own offices."

The NWC, invoking specific provisions of the SDP Constitution, concluded that it had no alternative but to expel Adebayo and the other implicated members. Their actions were deemed to constitute gross misconduct, anti-party activities, and deliberate attempts to plunge the party into crisis. Shua’ibu reiterated that these actions were fundamentally inconsistent with the ethos and collective will of the Social Democratic Party and its dedication to democratic order.

In a bid to maintain clarity and prevent further confusion, Shua’ibu also addressed the status of certain individuals allegedly posing as party members and officials. She explicitly warned the public to regard Rosemary Effiong, Sadiq Abubakar, Ugochukwu Uba, and Ado Hussieni as impostors, clarifying that they are not registered members of the Social Democratic Party. Notably, Ado Hussieni had been previously expelled from the party, rendering him without any authority to act, speak, or represent the SDP. Shua’ibu urged genuine members across the country to remain steadfast and not be swayed by the disruptive antics of a few individuals prioritizing personal gain over collective party progress.