The Social Democratic Party (SDP) has accused its expelled former leaders of financial misconduct and attempts to destabilise the party, declaring that a recent Federal High Court judgment has finally settled the dispute over its governorship primary and internal leadership.
Speaking at a press conference in Abuja on Wednesday, the National Chairman of the SDP, Prof. Sadiq Umar Abubakar Gombe, said the court upheld the validity of the party’s governorship primary conducted under the supervision of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), describing the ruling as a victory for due process and democracy.
“The SDP recorded victory at the Federal High Court today. The court affirmed our duly conducted governorship primary, which was monitored by INEC, and recognised our candidate. The matter has now been settled despite attempts by some persons to achieve their objectives through the back door,” Gombe said.
He called on INEC, the judiciary and security agencies to remain vigilant against what he described as desperate attempts by “recalcitrant elements” to frustrate the country’s electoral process.
The SDP chairman also accused some expelled former officials of illegally selling nomination forms and diverting party funds through private accounts instead of official party channels.
According to him, documents obtained from the party’s bank accounts revealed alleged financial irregularities involving former officials, with an internal investigation uncovering transactions worth hundreds of millions of naira, a substantial portion of which allegedly went to a single individual.
Gombe disclosed that the party had petitioned the Inspector-General of Police over the alleged financial misconduct and forwarded relevant documents to INEC for investigation and possible prosecution of those implicated.
He further revealed that INEC had confirmed to the party’s bankers the authentic signatories to the SDP accounts, recognising him as National Chairman, Dr. Olu Agunloye as National Secretary, Hajia Maria Madibo as National Treasurer and Alhaji Bello Adamu as Financial Secretary.
On preparations for the 2027 general elections, Gombe said the SDP had successfully conducted its national convention and presidential primary, producing Prince Adewale Adebayo as its presidential candidate.
He added that the party had uploaded its presidential, National Assembly and governorship candidates to the INEC portal within the stipulated deadline, while the submission of candidates for the state Houses of Assembly was ongoing.
Maintaining that the party’s National Working Committee remained the only leadership recognised by both the SDP and INEC, Gombe argued that the leadership dispute had been resolved in line with the party’s constitution and affirmed by previous Supreme Court decisions.
He also accused the expelled former national chairman of misleading the courts by seeking orders that conflicted with existing Supreme Court judgments, adding that the party had already initiated legal steps to challenge such decisions.
Expressing optimism ahead of the 2027 elections, Gombe said the SDP remained united and committed to providing Nigerians with a credible alternative.
“We are determined to offer Nigerians leaders with character, competence and integrity. Our party remains focused on rescuing the country through transparent and accountable leadership in 2027,” he said.
