A Magistrate Court in Wuse, Abuja, has adjourned the criminal case involving the former National Chairman of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Shehu Gabam, to July 28. The delay followed the prosecution's inability to secure critical banking records required for the trial.
Prosecution Seeks Subpoena for Bank Statement
The case, stemming from allegations of financial misconduct and a leadership tussle within the party, could not proceed after prosecutors informed the court that a key bank statement intended as evidence was yet to be produced by the financial institution. Speaking after proceedings, SDP National Chairman Professor Sadiq Abubakar Gombe said efforts to obtain the document directly from the bank had failed, forcing the prosecution to seek a subpoena compelling the institution to release the records.
“The matter was adjourned because we could not obtain one of the key documents to be tendered in the case, which is the bank statement. We approached the bank directly, but they could not release it immediately. We then had to subpoena the bank through the court, and the bank requested additional time because the documents are voluminous and require certification,” Gombe explained.
Leadership Dispute Continues
The criminal proceedings are part of a broader leadership dispute that has engulfed the SDP in recent months, with rival camps claiming the party’s structures and assets. However, Gombe dismissed suggestions of factionalisation, insisting the dispute involves disciplinary measures against a few members who allegedly violated the party’s constitution.
“There is no faction in the SDP. What we have are disciplinary issues involving erring members. The party acted in accordance with its constitution, the Electoral Act, and the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” he said.
Disciplinary Actions Upheld
Gombe maintained that sanctions imposed on affected members, including suspension and expulsion, were approved by the National Working Committee (NWC) and ratified by the National Executive Committee (NEC). He noted that the affected members neither exhausted the party’s internal appeal mechanisms nor challenged the measures within the prescribed time.
He further argued that internal disciplinary matters are the exclusive preserve of political parties, citing judicial precedents affirming their autonomy.
Allegations of Secretarial Takeover
The SDP chairman renewed allegations that supporters of the former leadership forcefully took over the party’s national secretariat in March, aided by security operatives while key officials were away preparing for the party’s national convention in Bauchi. He alleged the action aimed to frustrate the convention, which eventually proceeded and produced the current leadership and presidential candidate.
Despite the dispute, Gombe said the party continues to function from a temporary location while pursuing legal remedies. “We have continued with our activities because we are law-abiding. We believe the legal process will ultimately vindicate the party and affirm that all actions taken were consistent with our constitution,” he stated.
The case resumes on July 28 when the subpoenaed banking records are expected to be presented.
