SDP leadership crisis deepens as police summon factional NWC members

The leadership crisis rocking the Social Democratic Party, SDP, has taken a fresh turn after police reportedly invited members of the party’s National Working Committee, NWC, over an alleged attempt to take over the party’s national headquarters in Abuja.

SDP factional National Chairman, Sadiq Gombe, confirmed the development on Saturday, saying he was informed about the police invitation even though he did not personally receive any formal notice.

According to him, all members of the NWC were affected by the invitation linked to the disputed internal leadership crisis and the failed move to reclaim control of the party secretariat.

Gombe stated that the party had earlier petitioned the Inspector-General of Police over alleged financial misconduct involving the party’s expelled national chairman.

He alleged that petitions concerning alleged financial crimes amounting to N626 million had been forwarded to security agencies, including the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, and the Department of State Services, but claimed no action had been taken.

The SDP chairman maintained that the affected party officials were given opportunities to appear before a disciplinary committee chaired by Sadiq Lima but allegedly refused to participate in the process.

According to him, a white paper committee later reviewed the disciplinary committee’s report and recommended their expulsion from the party.

Gombe also rejected suggestions that external bodies, including the Independent National Electoral Commission, could determine the party’s leadership, insisting that internal party affairs remained the exclusive responsibility of political parties in line with Supreme Court rulings.

The development marks the latest escalation in the internal leadership tussle within the SDP following conflicting claims over the party’s authentic national leadership.