The national chairman of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Sadiq Gombe, has leveled accusations against the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), claiming the electoral body is meddling in the party’s internal affairs to stir up a leadership crisis. Speaking during a press briefing at the party’s secretariat on Thursday, Gombe expressed his concerns.
According to reports, the party’s former chairman, Shehu Musa Gabam, is alleged to have led a group of political thugs to disrupt party activities, prompting police intervention. In response, Gombe defended the decision to suspend and expel Gabam and other officials, citing breaches of the SDP constitution, including misconduct and financial irregularities.
Gombe elaborated that a five-man investigative committee, headed by Air Vice Marshal Bakir Sadiq Gilmour, was inaugurated to probe the allegations. The affected individuals were formally invited to defend themselves, but Gabam reportedly failed to show up for the internal dispute resolution process.
“The committee convened daily for two weeks at our national secretariat. After examining the findings, the National Working Committee set up a white paper committee that recommended their expulsion,” Gombe stated.
He expressed surprise that INEC called for an alternative dispute resolution on the eve of the party’s convention, asserting that there is no dispute to resolve. “Our party has the constitutional right to manage its own affairs. INEC seems intent on imposing leadership on us,” he added.
Gombe reaffirmed the party’s resolve to proceed with its convention in Bauchi, declaring, “We are law-abiding citizens, but we will not be intimidated. No one will dictate to us in our own country.”