The crisis rocking the Social Democratic Party (SDP) took a new turn on Tuesday as the Forum of State Chairmen declared full support for the suspension of the party’s National Chairman, Shehu Musa Gabam, by the National Working Committee (NWC).
Naija News reports that the Forum also threw its weight behind the appointment of Dr. Sadiq Umar Abubakar as the Acting National Chairman, following allegations of financial impropriety and abuse of office levelled against Gabam and other suspended NWC members.
The NWC, in a statement released on Tuesday by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Araba Rufus Aiyenigba, announced the suspension of Gabam alongside several officials for what it described as gross misconduct and mishandling of party resources.
In a statement signed by its Chairman, Femi Olaniyi, the Forum of State Chairmen hailed the decision as timely and necessary for preserving the integrity of the party.
“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,” the statement read.
The Forum applauded the NWC’s resolve to remove what it described as individuals who had “abused the trust placed in them” by party stakeholders and financial members.
“Some of these individuals have even engaged in behaviour resembling gangsterism,” the Forum alleged.
The Forum raised concerns over the financial state of the party, lamenting that despite alleged access to substantial funds, many state chapters still struggle with basic operations like paying office rents.
“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 office rent and other basic operations,” the statement added.
The chairman called for a thorough investigation to uncover the full extent of the alleged mismanagement and pledged to cooperate with any efforts aimed at cleaning up the party’s internal systems.
Reaffirming their allegiance to the new leadership, the Forum vowed to provide unflinching support to the NWC and efforts aimed at restoring accountability and transparency within the SDP.
“We assure you that all state executives of the party stand behind the National Working Committee in this matter. We will provide our full support in the collective interest of the party,” the Forum concluded.
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