Police Summon SDP Leaders Over Alleged Headquarters Takeover Amid N626 Million Fraud Claims

Context The Social Democratic Party (SDP) is in the midst of a leadership crisis that intensified after former national chairman Shehu Gabam allegedly led armed police to storm the party’s secretariat in Abuja two weeks ago. The incident was meant to re‑assert his control after his removal, but it sparked further legal and security scrutiny.

Key Facts - SDP National Chairman Sadiq Gombe told Sunday PUNCH that police invited every member of the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) to discuss the failed headquarters takeover, though he did not receive a personal notice. - The party’s petition to the Inspector‑General of Police (IGP) alleges that the expelled chairman is responsible for financial crimes totaling N626 million. - Gombe said the party wrote to the IGP three months ago, requesting an investigation into the alleged fraud. The IGP forwarded the request to the Deputy IGP, but no prosecution has followed. - The SDP has also appealed to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission, and the Department of State Services, yet none have acted on the allegations. - A disciplinary committee chaired by Sadiq Lima held a 14‑day hearing at the party headquarters. Gabam and the national youth leader refused to appear, prompting a white‑paper review that recommended their expulsion. - The party stresses that internal leadership disputes are governed by party constitutions and Supreme Court rulings, not by the Independent National Electoral Commission or media narratives.

What It Means The police summons signals an escalation from internal party disputes to formal law‑enforcement involvement. If the investigation into the N626 million fraud proceeds, it could lead to criminal charges against Gabam and further destabilise SDP’s leadership structure. The party’s repeated appeals to multiple anti‑corruption agencies highlight systemic delays that may affect public confidence in both the party and Nigeria’s enforcement bodies. Watch for any formal charges or court rulings in the coming weeks, which will shape the SDP’s future and its ability to contest upcoming elections.