The National Chairman of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Alhaji Shehu Gabam, has dismissed his reported expulsion from the party as “a nullity and the outcome of a kangaroo process,” insisting that he remains the duly elected and INEC-recognised National Chairman of the SDP.

Speaking on a national television programme Sunday night, Gabam described the current turmoil in the party as “an artificially induced political operation,” accusing certain vested interests of working to destabilise the SDP because of its growing influence and independent political stance.

According to him, those behind the purported expulsion have no legitimacy or recognition from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

“INEC has the certified true copy of our 2022 National Convention held at the International Conference Centre, Abuja, where my executive was duly elected,” Gabam stated. “None of those parading themselves as party leaders appear on that list. Even Sadik, who chaired their so-called meeting, is not a registered member of the SDP.”

Gabam said the police had also been notified of the authentic, INEC-recognised leadership and called for an investigation into individuals allegedly attempting to hijack the party structure.

On allegations of financial misconduct, embezzlement, and abuse of office, the SDP Chairman described the claims as “cheap political fabrications with no substance.”

He explained that the party’s National Secretary, Dr Olu Agunloye, who made the allegations, had earlier petitioned the Inspector General of Police, but investigations failed to establish any wrongdoing.

“The police invited him to substantiate his claims, but no report has been issued,” he said. “Instead, he set up a kangaroo committee made up of his friends to investigate me. I was never invited, interrogated, or given a hearing. It’s nothing but a political smear job.”

Gabam also disclosed that his life had been threatened during the crisis, alleging that armed men attacked him.

“People came with AK-47s to assassinate me,” he revealed. “But I decided not to drag the SDP into the mess because I value the institution we are building.”

He noted that the crisis in the SDP was similar to what is currently happening in other opposition parties, saying “no political party in Nigeria today is standing firmly apart from the ruling APC.”

Dismissing claims that his issues with party members were linked to hostility towards President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Gabam clarified that he has always maintained mutual respect for the President.

“I have no personal problem with President Tinubu,” he said. “In fact, when he was having challenges within the APC and considered joining the SDP, we had a mature and cordial discussion. Eventually, he decided to remain in the APC. Since then, I’ve neither met him nor received any message from him. Anyone saying otherwise is lying out of political insecurity.”

He stressed that the SDP’s stance on national issues was rooted in patriotism and constructive criticism, not opposition for its own sake.

“Every position we’ve taken on government policies has been in good faith and the national interest,” Gabam emphasised. “I’ll never be part of any move to bring down a government. Nobody can predict the consequences.”

On reports that state chairmen endorsed his removal, Gabam dismissed the claim as false and baseless.

“The so-called chairman of chairmen is not even a substantive chairman,” he said. “He has been acting as Lagos chairman for years, and his tenure expired long ago. There are multiple factions within the chairmen’s forum itself.”

He confirmed that the police had temporarily taken control of the SDP national secretariat in Abuja after violent clashes between rival groups, noting that he deliberately avoided storming the building.

“As a responsible leader, I refused to force my way into the secretariat because anything could be planted there and blamed on me,” Gabam said. “The police acted wisely to prevent further violence, and I respect that.”

Despite the turmoil, the SDP leader vowed to defend the integrity of the party and protect its future.

“I will never destroy the SDP, but I will also not allow anyone to tarnish my name,” he warned. “Nigerians should know I didn’t start this crisis. I’m managing it with maturity, and history will record those responsible.”

Reaffirming his leadership, Gabam declared emphatically:

“I remain the authentic National Chairman of the Social Democratic Party. Those trying to hijack the SDP are acting on political instructions, but the truth will ultimately prevail.” (Daily Independent)