Embattled National Chairman of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Alhaji Shehu Gabam, has claimed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu once considered defecting to the SDP during his political struggles within the All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of the 2023 general elections.
Gabam made the revelation on Sunday night during a national television interview, where he also alleged that the ongoing turmoil within the SDP was being orchestrated by powerful interests determined to weaken the party’s rising influence and independent stance on national issues.
Describing the crisis as “an artificially induced political operation,” the SDP boss said his troubles had nothing to do with antagonism toward President Tinubu or his government.
“I have always maintained mutual respect for the President,” Gabam said. “At one point, when he was facing challenges within the APC and was considering joining the SDP, we had a mature and civilised discussion.
Eventually, he chose to remain in the APC. Since then, I have not met or communicated with him. Those suggesting otherwise are peddling lies out of political insecurity.
“Reacting to allegations of financial impropriety, embezzlement, and abuse of office levelled against him by some party members, Gabam described them as “cheap fabrications without substance.”He explained that the party’s National Secretary, Dr. Olu Agunloye — who made the allegations — had earlier petitioned the Inspector-General of Police, but investigations uncovered no wrongdoing.
According to Gabam, the SDP’s criticisms of government policies are rooted in patriotism and principle, not opposition for its own sake.
“Every position we take is based on constructive criticism,” he said. “I will never be part of any plot to destabilise a government because no one can predict the consequences.”On claims that the party’s state chairmen had endorsed his removal, Gabam dismissed the reports as false and mischievous, adding that the tenure of one of them, the Lagos chapter, had expired long ago.
Gabam confirmed that the police had temporarily sealed the SDP’s national secretariat in Abuja following violent clashes between rival factions.”As an experienced politician, I refused to force my way into the building because anything could be planted and blamed on me,” he explained.
“The police acted to prevent further violence, and I respected that decision.”Despite the turbulence, Gabam insisted he remains the authentic National Chairman of the SDP, vowing to defend his mandate and protect the party’s integrity.Gabam expressed confidence that those plotting to hijack the SDP would “surely fail.”
