INEC Confirms Shehu Gabam As Authentic SDP National Chairman

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has officially recognized the Alhaji Shehu Musa Gabam–led National Executive Committee of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) as the authentic leadership of the party.

The confirmation came through a correspondence from INEC to the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command, following a request for clarification on the lingering leadership tussle within the party. 

The letter, signed by the Commission’s Secretary, Rose Oriaran-Anthony, listed Gabam and other executives elected at the SDP national convention held on June 8, 2022, at the International Conference Centre, Abuja.

According to the attached document, Alhaji Shehu Musa Gabam is recognized as National Chairman, with Dr. Olu Agunloye as National Secretary, Ambassador Rufus B. Aiyenigba as National Publicity Secretary, and several other officials occupying key positions, including youth, women, and zonal leadership offices.

This clarification follows months of internal wrangling, with rival factions suspending Gabam and appointing parallel acting chairmen such as Dr. Sadiq Abubakar Gombe and Comrade Abubakar Modido, while another group allegedly loyal to former Kaduna State governor Nasir El-Rufai attempted to dissolve the Gabam-led National Working Committee (NWC). 

The party leadership, however, distanced itself from El-Rufai, insisting he had long been barred from SDP activities.

The leadership crisis prompted the FCT Police Command to formally approach INEC for guidance on the authentic executives in order to maintain law and order.

In reaction, Gabam hailed the police for seeking clarification from the electoral body rather than acting on “falsehood spread by desperate politicians bent on destroying the party for selfish interests.”

He also warned individuals parading themselves as members of the SDP’s NWC outside of the INEC-recognized list to desist, stressing that such impersonation could attract arrest and prosecution.

Reaffirming his commitment, Gabam said the SDP under his leadership remains focused on providing a platform for credible Nigerians to drive good governance ahead of the 2027 general elections.