The Social Democratic Party (SDP) has come out to react to “recent disturbing and misleading action” by a “small group of individuals” with the mission to “destabilize” the Party.
This was made known via a Press Statement from the National Leadership of the SDP on Friday 18 July, 2025.
The SDP also made it “abundantly” clear on the issue of Coalition that, it is “an independent political party”, and has nothing to do with the Coalition arrangement.
The Press Statement reads: “The attention of the National Leadership of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) has been drawn to recent disturbing and misleading actions propagated by a small group of individuals whose sole aim appears to be the destabilization of our great party.
“Chief among them is Mr. Olu Agunloye, who has consistently waged a campaign of misinformation, misrepresentation, and outright defiance of the constitution and founding ideals of the SDP.
“Let it be stated clearly and for the record: the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the only constitutionally empowered body to regulate political parties in Nigeria, recognizes Alhaji Shehu Musa Gabam as the authentic and substantive National Chairman of the Social Democratic Party.
“This official recognition puts to rest any attempt to mislead the public or manufacture confusion by individuals acting outside the bounds of the law and the party constitution.
“Contrary to efforts by Mr. Agunloye and a few disgruntled elements to portray a divided house, the SDP remains united, focused, and strong under the legitimate leadership of Alhaji Gabam.
“The Party has achieved significant milestones, including revitalizing its grassroots structures, increasing its visibility nationwide, and fostering a message of social justice and integrity.
“These gains have been made possible by the tireless commitment of patriotic members who remain devoted to the SDP’s mission.
“It is therefore deeply regrettable that at a time when we should be consolidating our progress, certain individuals, clearly motivated by personal vendetta and ambition, have chosen to incite division and chaos through false narratives and illegal maneuvers.
“We are aware of the allegations of financial impropriety being propagated by Mr. Agunloye, who claims to have petitioned the Nigeria Police Force.
“We welcome the intervention of law enforcement and urge a thorough and impartial investigation into his baseless accusations. We are confident that the truth will prevail and those seeking to mislead the public will be exposed.
“Even more disturbing is Mr. Agunloye’s audacious move to constitute a kangaroo investigative panel, in clear violation of the Party’s constitution and in direct conflict with an ongoing police investigation. Such a panel is illegitimate, unlawful, and holds no authority or binding effect on the operations or leadership of the SDP.
“It is an act of desperation, a smokescreen designed to distract from his lack of credibility.We also wish to categorically state that the purported plan by the National Secretary to remove State Chairmen and appoint Caretaker Committees in the states is unconstitutional, null and void.
“Such action lacks constitutional backing and will never be recognized by INEC. No individual, including the National Secretary, possesses the unilateral authority to remove duly elected state leadership.
“Furthermore, the purported National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting being called by this faction is illegal and of no consequence.
“It violates several provisions of the SDP Constitution (2022, as amended), including: Sections 13.1(iv) and 14.4(ii) – Only the National Chairman may preside over NWC or NEC meetings.Section 14.4(i) – Any meeting not conducted in compliance with these provisions is null and void.
“Any NEC meeting not convened or presided over by Alhaji Shehu Musa Gabam is unconstitutional and invalid.
“Regarding the issue of coalition, let it be made abundantly clear that the SDP is an independent political party. The issue of any supposed coalition is a matter of the past, and the SDP is not part of any such coalition arrangement.”
