The lingering leadership crisis within the opposition Social Democratic Party took a dramatic turn on Tuesday as the party announced that its former National Chairman, Shehu Musa Gabam, is no longer a member of the party.
The development marks the latest escalation in the internal power struggle that has continued to unsettle the SDP in recent months, with rival factions battling for control of the party’s national leadership structure ahead of future political activities and the 2027 general elections.
The party also issued a strong warning to the Independent National Electoral Commission, insisting that the electoral body lacks the constitutional authority to interfere in the internal affairs of political parties or overturn decisions taken by their recognised organs.
The position of the party was made public in Abuja by the newly ratified SDP National Chairman, Sadiq Gombe, shortly after a closed-door meeting with the National Chairman of INEC, Professor Joash Amupitan.
Addressing journalists after the meeting, Gombe stated that the SDP leadership only honoured INEC’s invitation out of institutional respect and commitment to democratic engagement.
He stressed that the party remained fully aware of its constitutional rights and would not permit external interference in matters relating to its internal administration and leadership decisions.
According to him, the SDP had already concluded all necessary constitutional processes regarding changes in its leadership and membership structure, including the status of Gabam.
“The party has taken its position, and Alhaji Shehu Musa Gabam is no longer a member of the SDP,” Gombe declared during the briefing.
Although details surrounding the circumstances leading to Gabam’s removal were not fully disclosed, party insiders indicated that the crisis stemmed from prolonged disagreements over the management and direction of the party.
The SDP has in recent months experienced growing tensions among key stakeholders, with factions accusing one another of breaching the party’s constitution and undermining internal democracy.
Observers say the latest declaration is likely to intensify the dispute and may eventually trigger legal battles over the legitimacy of the party leadership.
Gombe maintained that the National Executive Committee and other recognised organs of the party acted within their constitutional powers in taking decisions concerning the leadership crisis.
He argued that INEC’s role was limited to regulatory oversight and recognition of duly submitted party information, rather than intervening directly in internal political disputes.
“The commission does not have the constitutional powers to dictate leadership to political parties or reverse decisions lawfully taken by party organs,” he said.
The SDP chairman further insisted that political parties in Nigeria operate as independent associations governed by their constitutions and internal regulations.
He warned against what he described as attempts by external forces to exploit the current disagreements within the party for political advantage.
The meeting between SDP leaders and the INEC chairman was reportedly convened amid growing uncertainty surrounding the party’s leadership structure and concerns over conflicting claims by rival factions.
Political analysts believe the electoral commission may be seeking clarity on the authentic leadership of the party ahead of upcoming electoral activities and administrative engagements.
The SDP, once regarded as one of Nigeria’s most influential political platforms during the early years of the country’s democratic evolution, has struggled in recent years with recurring leadership disputes and factional crises.
However, the party has recently attracted renewed political attention following speculations about possible alliances and realignments involving opposition figures ahead of the 2027 elections.
Analysts say the latest crisis could either weaken the party further or reshape its internal power structure, depending on how the dispute is eventually resolved.
Supporters of the new leadership insist that the party is undergoing a restructuring process aimed at strengthening discipline, restoring internal order and repositioning the SDP as a credible opposition platform.
Meanwhile, loyalists of Gabam are expected to challenge the latest declaration, potentially setting the stage for prolonged political and legal confrontations within the party.
The controversy has already generated reactions within political circles, with some observers cautioning that unresolved leadership disputes could undermine the SDP’s ability to present itself as a viable alternative force in national politics.
Despite the growing tension, Gombe expressed confidence that the party would emerge stronger from the crisis and continue preparations for future political engagements across the country.
He urged party members to remain calm and united while assuring them that the leadership remained committed to protecting the integrity and independence of the SDP.
As the situation continues to unfold, attention is now focused on the next steps likely to be taken by both factions, as well as the position INEC may eventually adopt regarding the disputed leadership claims within the party.
