SDP Youth Vanguard Expresses Support for National Chairman Shehu Gabam

…Calls for Unity Ahead of 2027 General Elections

A youth group within the Social Democratic Party (SDP), operating under the banner of the SDP Youths Vanguard, has declared its unwavering support for the party’s National Chairman, Alhaji Shehu Gabam. The group described him as a true democrat and a man of integrity capable of repositioning the party for success in the 2027 general elections.

This endorsement was made in a statement issued in Abuja on Sunday following an emergency meeting convened to address the ongoing crisis within the party. The statement was jointly signed by the group’s Coordinator, Alhaji Taofeek Lawal, and Secretary, Comrade Grace Anthony.

The group stated that it had carefully reviewed the allegations leveled against Alhaji Gabam and found them to be baseless and without merit.

Quoting Article 13 of the SDP Constitution, the group outlined the responsibilities and powers of the National Chairman, which include:

• Serving as the Chief Executive Officer and National Leader of the Party;
• Providing effective leadership and direction for the National Working Committee;
• Promoting the party’s policies and presiding over meetings of key party organs;
• Delegating duties, issuing lawful directives, and ensuring constitutional compliance;
• Approving financial expenditures as determined by the National Executive Committee (NEC).

The group emphasized that, based on these constitutional provisions, Alhaji Gabam had committed no wrongdoing.

“We urge all party members to close ranks and unite for a successful showing in the 2027 general elections,” the statement said. “Alhaji Gabam is not a political opportunist. He is committed to the growth of the party, and we must all rally behind his leadership.”

The group further urged that any genuine grievances against the chairman should be addressed through appropriate internal mechanisms, rather than resorting to unfounded accusations that tarnish both his image and the reputation of the party.

They also condemned the recently constituted probe panel investigating the National Chairman and two others, describing it as unconstitutional and biased.

“You cannot be a judge in your own case,” the statement read. “The individuals who initiated the allegations are the same ones who set up the probe panel. Moreover, the panel members are unknown to the party.”

The group said it had reached out to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) regarding the alleged approval of an NEC meeting at which the chairman was reportedly suspended. INEC, according to the group, confirmed that it gave no such approval.

They concluded by urging the National Chairman to take appropriate action against those peddling falsehoods, in order to safeguard the integrity of the party.