Gabam’s suspension: Forum of state chairmen backs NWC

The Forum of State Chairmen of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) has thrown its weight behind the suspension of Shehu Gabam, the party’s National Chairman and the appointment of Sadiq Umar Abubakar to replace him in acting capacity.

The National Working Committee (NWC) of the party had earlier in a statement by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Araba Rufus Aiyenigba, announced the suspension of the party’s national chairman, Alhaji Gabam and other members of the NWC over alleged financial misconduct.

Following the new development, Abubakar was appointed by the party’s NWC to replace him in acting capacity.

However, a statement by Femi Olaniyi, the Chairman of the SDP Forum of State Chairmen, congratulated the acting chairman and reiterated the group’s support for the NWC’s decision.

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Part of the statement read: “The Forum of State Chairmen of the SDP would like to extend our congratulations to the acting chairman on his appointment during this crucial time in our political landscape.

“We would also like to express our appreciation to the National Working Committee for making this bold and necessary decision to protect our party from individuals, who have abused the trust given to them by party stakeholders and financial members. Furthermore, some of these individuals have engaged in behaviour resembling gangsterism.

“We encourage thorough investigations to help cleanse the entire system. The Forum is alarmed that, despite the substantial funds belonging to the party, which have been misappropriated by unpatriotic officials, state chapters are still struggling with issues related to office rent.

“We assure you that all state executives of the party stand behind the National Working Committee (NWC) in this matter. We will provide our full support in the collective interest of the party.”

Ifeoma Okeke-Korieocha

Ifeoma Okeke-Korieocha is the Aviation Correspondent at BusinessDay Media Limited, publishers of BusinessDay Newspapers. She is also the Deputy Editor, BusinessDay Weekender Magazine, the Saturday Weekend edition of BusinessDay. She holds a BSC in Mass Communication from the prestigious University of Nigeria, Nsukka and a Masters degree in Marketing at the University of Lagos. As the lead writer on the aviation desk, Ifeoma is responsible and in charge of the three weekly aviation and travel pages in BusinessDay and BDSunday. She also overseas and edits all pages of BusinessDay Saturday Weekender. She has written various investigative, features and news stories in aviation and business related issues and has been severally nominated for award in the category of Aviation Writer of the Year by the Nigeria Media Nite-Out awards; one of the Nigeria’s most prestigious media awards ceremonies. Ifeoma is a one-time winner of the prestigious Nigeria Media Merit Award under the 'Aviation Writer of the Year' Category. She is the 2025 Eloy Award winner under the Print Media Journalist category. She has undergone several journalism trainings by various prestigious organisations. Ifeoma is also a fellow of the Female Reporters Leadership Fellowship of the Wole Soyinka Centre for Investigative Journalism.