Leadership Crisis in the Social Democratic Party (SDP)
The National Youth Leader of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Dr. Uchechukwu Chukwuma, has strongly refuted claims of his suspension by the party’s National Secretary, Dr. Olu Agunloye, and National Publicity Secretary, Mr. Rufus Ayienigba. He described these allegations as “illegal, baseless, and a joke taken too far.” Speaking with newsmen at the party’s National Secretariat in Abuja, Dr. Chukwuma asserted that he continues to hold his position and is actively carrying out his responsibilities.
He emphasized that neither the National Secretary nor the Publicity Secretary has the constitutional authority to unilaterally suspend any national officer of the party. According to him, “You cannot suspend me from inside your room or toilet. We have only one National Working Committee (NWC) led by Alhaji Shehu Musa Gabam. The NWC was scheduled to meet later that day, yet these individuals released a fake document in the morning alleging our suspension. Who presided over that meeting? Only the National Chairman is empowered to do so, according to our party’s constitution.”
Dr. Chukwuma characterized the move as a desperate and malicious attempt to destabilize the party ahead of the 2027 general elections. He accused Dr. Agunloye and Mr. Ayienigba of violating the party’s constitution and acting with ulterior motives that threaten the party’s unity and electoral prospects.
Financial Misconduct Allegations
In response to allegations of financial misconduct, Dr. Chukwuma denied any wrongdoing. He stated that the party’s finances had been audited twice by independent auditors appointed by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), with no discrepancies found. “I am not the National Treasurer. Requests are made, and upon the National Chairman’s approval, the Treasurer disburses funds. The party’s accounts have been audited and cleared. So where is Agunloye getting his facts from?” he questioned.
In a counter-accusation, Dr. Chukwuma alleged that Dr. Agunloye had been diverting party funds into personal accounts and attempting to sow ethnic division within the party. “Because we refused to join his destabilization agenda, he targeted me and the National Auditor to smear our reputations,” he said.
EFCC Investigation and Media Campaign
Dr. Chukwuma called on party stakeholders and the public to question the credibility of Dr. Agunloye, who is currently facing prosecution by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over a seven-count charge related to the alleged fraudulent award of a $6 billion contract to Sunrise Power and Transmission Company Limited.
He also referenced a recent INEC letter addressed to the SDP National Chairman, which he claimed further exposed Dr. Agunloye and his allies’ ongoing “media jamboree.” “It’s obvious from the recent INEC letter to the National Chairman that Agunloye and co have been jumping from one media house to another, maligning the name of His Excellency, Alhaji Shehu Musa Gabam,” he stated.
Controversial Disciplinary Committee
Another incident that drew Dr. Chukwuma’s criticism was when Dr. Agunloye, who had already petitioned the police and is under investigation, went ahead to inaugurate a five-man disciplinary committee to investigate the National Chairman over the same issues. “On the day of adopting his investigation, he could not explain how funds were transferred to his own account,” he said.
Dr. Chukwuma urged party members and the public to disregard the purported suspension, insisting that the rule of law and the party’s constitution must remain the guiding principles of the Social Democratic Party. He reiterated that the party’s leadership should be based on transparency, accountability, and adherence to established procedures.
