Quick Summary:
Former Social Democratic Party chairman Shehu Gabam faces six-count charges of financial misappropriation, forgery, and breach of trust involving over N35 million.
The Magistrate Court in Wuse Zone 2, Federal Capital Territory, on Tuesday, arraigned the former Chairman of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Shehu Gabam, over alleged financial misappropriation and other related offences.
The case, filed under case number DCC/10/2026, involves Gabam and the current SDP Chairman, Sodiq Abubakar, and was brought before Chief Magistrate Amauche Onyedium.
Gabam, alongside Chukwuma Uchechukwu, was arraigned on six-count charges bordering on financial misappropriation amounting to over N35 million, forgery, and breach of trust.
Gabam Pleads Not Guilty
At the hearing, Gabam pleaded not guilty to all charges. The magistrate subsequently granted him bail in the sum of N3 million, with two sureties residing within Abuja.
The court adjourned the matter to a later date for further hearing.
SDP Chairman Speaks On The Case
Speaking after the court session, SDP National Chairman Sodiq Abubakar said the party decided to take legal action against Gabam to restore integrity and cleanse the party of external influences.
He explained that the party had earlier petitioned the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to prosecute Gabam, but no action was taken, prompting the SDP to seek redress through the courts.
Background And Recent Tensions
Abubakar was elected as the Chairman of the Social Democratic Party during the national convention held in Bauchi on May 9, 2026.
Tensions within the party escalated over the weekend when thugs suspected to be loyal to Gabam reportedly broke down the gate of the SDP’s national secretariat, intensifying the internal crisis.
The incident has further deepened divisions within the party as members call for discipline, transparency, and unity ahead of upcoming political activities.
