The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has formally recognized Alhaji Shehu Musa Gabam as the substantive National Chairman of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), effectively quashing attempts by a faction of the party to appoint an acting chairman.
In a letter dated 30 July 2025 (Ref: INEC/DEPM/CP/422/T/69) and addressed to the Commissioner of Police, Federal Capital Territory Command, the Commission forwarded the certified list of SDP’s National Executive Committee members. The letter, signed by INEC’s Secretary, Rose Oriaran-Anthony, and stamped as a Certified True Copy on 29 August 2025, confirmed Gabam as National Chairman alongside other elected officers of the party.
Attached to the correspondence was the official list of national officers elected at the party’s convention held at the International Conference Centre, Abuja, on 8 June 2022. The list, signed by Gabam and National Secretary Dr. Olu Agunloye, included:
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Alhaji Shehu Musa Gabam – National Chairman
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Dr. Olu Agunloye – National Secretary
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Amb. Rufus B. Aiyenigba – National Publicity Secretary
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Hon. Ogbonna Uchechukwu – National Speaker, Youth Parliament
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Barr. Joseph Abu – National Organizing Secretary
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Hajiya Sa’adatu Abdullahi – National Speaker, Women Parliament
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Hajiya Maggie M. Batubo – National Treasurer
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Dr. Aderemi Abimbola – National Legal Adviser
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Chief Lekan Alabi – National Leader, Persons with Disabilities (PWD)
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Nze Clarkson Nnadi – National Auditor
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Sen. Mohammed Alkali – National Vice Chairman, North West
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Fredrick E. Owotorufe – National Vice Chairman, South-South
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Sir Chief Arinze Ekelem – National Vice Chairman, South-East
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Hon. Abdullahi M. Kani – National Vice Chairman, North-Central
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Chief Silas Alani – National Vice Chairman, South-West
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Obinna Bright Ekwebelem – South East Zone Secretary
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Bassagi Gimba – North Central Zone Secretary
Party Crisis and INEC’s Stand
The confirmation comes against the backdrop of an internal crisis, with a faction of the SDP’s National Working Committee (NWC) announcing the suspension of Gabam in June and naming Dr. Sadiq Abubakar as acting chairman. The faction accused Gabam of financial misconduct, but INEC rejected the letter introducing the so-called acting chairman on procedural grounds.
According to the Commission, the letter was not jointly signed by both the National Chairman and the National Secretary, as required by INEC’s regulations, and the signature did not match the specimen on record.
INEC’s decision has now clarified the matter, recognizing Gabam as the legitimate national leader of the SDP.
Gabam Reacts
Reacting to the development, Gabam described the attempt to remove him as “fake news” orchestrated by elements bent on destabilizing the party. He insisted that the SDP remains united under his leadership, and that the law and INEC’s validation have put the controversy to rest.
Implications
With the recognition of Gabam and his executives, INEC has effectively handed legitimacy back to his leadership, signaling that any factional moves to alter the party’s hierarchy without due process will not be entertained. This development is expected to calm tensions within the party as it positions itself ahead of the 2027 general elections.
