SDP State Chairmen, FCT Counterpart Demand Immediate Formation of Board of Trustees

The 36 state chairmen of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), alongside their Federal Capital Territory (FCT) counterpart, have urged the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) to immediately constitute the Board of Trustees (BoT) to strengthen internal governance, ensure transparency, and promote collective leadership.

Speaking at a press briefing in Abuja, Chairman of the Forum of State Chairmen, Femi Olaniyi, said the BoT serves as the moral compass of any political party and its formation should not be delayed any further.

“The BoT is the conscience of every political party. Its constitution will promote accountability, stability, and internal democracy within the SDP,” Olaniyi stated.

He recalled that the forum had previously endorsed the suspension of the former National Chairman, Alhaji Shehu Gabam, and several other officials after an investigation into alleged financial and administrative irregularities.

Olaniyi explained that the party’s Disciplinary Committee, led by Air Vice Marshal Abubakar Sadia Liman (mni), had completed its work and submitted its report, which was later reviewed and released as a White Paper by the NWC.

He noted that the forum’s support for the NWC’s decision stemmed from the active involvement of its representative on the disciplinary panel, Mr. Kingsley Agbo, who serves as the SDP Chairman in Ebonyi State.

“We urge relevant authorities to look into the issues raised in the report and ensure due process in addressing them,” he said.

The forum also reaffirmed its confidence in the Acting National Chairman, Professor Sadiq Abubakar Gombe, and the National Secretary, Dr. Olu Agunloye, pledging continued support for the current leadership team.

“We pass a vote of confidence in the NWC and call on all well-meaning Nigerians to join us in building a party that stands for social justice and a better life for every citizen,” Olaniyi added.

He dismissed suggestions that the SDP was unwelcoming to new members, stressing that the party remains open to collaboration, inclusivity, and reforms aimed at deepening democracy and national development.

The renewed call for internal restructuring comes after the NWC last week announced disciplinary actions against several national officers, including former National Chairman Alhaji Shehu Musa Gabam and former National Youth Leader Mr. Ogbonna Chukwuma Uchechukwu.

National Publicity Secretary, Rufus Aiyenigba, who read a communiqué at the party’s secretariat, said the decisions were based on findings from the Disciplinary Committee report and the accompanying White Paper, emphasizing that the measures were taken to restore order, improve transparency, and reposition the SDP for future elections.

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