The internal crisis within the Social Democratic Party (SDP) escalated further on Tuesday as National Chairman Sadiq Abubakar Gombe defended the expulsion of former party leader Alhaji Shehu Musa Gabam, while presidential candidate Prince Adewole Adebayo declared his intention to challenge President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the 2027 general election.
Gombe justifies Gabam's expulsion after INEC meeting
Speaking to journalists following a meeting with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Abuja, Gombe stated that the electoral body's alternative dispute resolution session did not change the party's stance on Gabam's removal. He explained that the SDP's National Executive Committee (NEC) ratified Gabam's expulsion during its March 9, 2026 meeting at Newton Park Hotel and Resort, citing allegations of corruption, financial misconduct, mismanagement, and breaches of the party constitution.
Gombe emphasized that the resolutions were properly communicated to INEC and monitored by the commission. He noted that Gabam and other affected officials were given the opportunity to appear before the party's disciplinary committee to defend themselves, but the party proceeded based on findings of misconduct.
Internal dispute resolution procedures
The SDP chairman argued that the party constitution requires aggrieved members to exhaust internal dispute resolution procedures within five working days before seeking external intervention. He insisted that political parties retain constitutional powers to manage their internal affairs, including discipline and leadership matters, stressing that INEC's role remains regulatory.
“The meeting was constructive and frank,” Gombe said, adding that despite differing opinions expressed during discussions with INEC, the party's position on Gabam's expulsion remained unchanged. He reaffirmed that the SDP remained stable ahead of the 2027 elections, describing the internal disciplinary process as necessary to preserve accountability, discipline, and public trust.
Gombe cautions INEC against interference
Gombe also cautioned INEC against interfering in party affairs, insisting that the commission was not empowered to appoint leaders for political parties. He added that the SDP had already concluded its national convention and presidential primaries, which he described as transparent and widely monitored.
Adebayo declares readiness for 2027 showdown
Amid the internal tensions, SDP presidential candidate Prince Adewole Adebayo declared that he was not intimidated by the prospect of facing Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election, despite both politicians hailing from the South-West region. Adebayo said the SDP would not engage in ethnic politics, insisting that millions of Nigerians battling hunger, unemployment, and rising living costs were more concerned about survival than regional identity.
“We don't think like that in SDP. A hungry person in the South-West is still hungry. Someone buying petrol at outrageous prices won't care about regional identity,” he said.
Focus on economic hardship
Adebayo stated that economic hardship remains the priority concern for ordinary Nigerians. He said the party would focus on policies aimed at improving education, healthcare, employment, and social welfare. According to him, the SDP represents a different ideological direction from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), which he accused of prioritising politics over governance.
“SDP is the party that has solutions to your social problems. It's a party meant for ordinary people. When you wake up in the morning, you think about feeding your family, transport costs, education, food, healthcare, jobs and survival — those are the issues social democratic parties focus on,” he said.
Criticism of APC's economic reforms
Adebayo further criticised the APC's handling of economic reforms, particularly the removal of fuel subsidy, arguing that government policies should prioritise the welfare of citizens. “A social democrat won't wake up and remove subsidy without thinking about the impact on transport, food, housing, jobs and people's savings. But if you are APC, your focus is on winning elections and congratulating yourselves afterwards,” he stated.
