…Alleges N626m Fraud Under Former Chairman
The National Chairman of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Prof. Sadiq Abubakar Gombe, has declared that a Federal High Court judgment delivered on Tuesday reaffirmed the party’s leadership and validated its governorship candidate nomination process ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Addressing journalists in Abuja on Wednesday, Gombe said the judgment effectively settled attempts by expelled party members to challenge the party’s leadership and candidate nominations through what he described as “the back door.”
He maintained that the National Working Committee (NWC) led by him remains the authentic leadership of the SDP, recognised by both the party and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
The SDP chairman said the party had successfully conducted its national convention, elected its presidential candidate, Dr Adewole Adebayo, and uploaded its presidential, National Assembly and governorship candidates to the INEC portal within the stipulated timelines.
Gombe also alleged massive financial mismanagement under the party’s former leadership, claiming that investigations into the party’s bank accounts uncovered suspicious transactions amounting to over N626 million.
According to him, a review of bank statements revealed about 203 transactions within one year, with nearly 79 per cent of the funds allegedly traced to a single individual linked to the expelled former national chairman.
He disclosed that the party had petitioned the Inspector-General of Police and submitted relevant documents to INEC for further investigation and possible prosecution.
The SDP chairman further accused the former chairman of obtaining court orders through misrepresentation after being expelled from the party, insisting that the Supreme Court had already settled all issues relating to the party’s internal affairs and leadership.
Gombe called on INEC, the judiciary and security agencies to remain vigilant against individuals he described as determined to derail the electoral process.
He expressed confidence that the SDP would present credible candidates for the presidency, governorship, National Assembly and state assembly elections in 2027, assuring Nigerians that the party remained committed to providing a viable alternative for good governance.
“We are set to provide Nigerians with a credible alternative in 2027. Despite the challenges, the SDP remains united, law-abiding and committed to transparency, accountability and national development,” he said.
