The Shehu Gabam faction of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) has expelled presidential candidate Adewole Adebayo and 12 other party officials during the party’s National Convention and Presidential Primary held in Abuja on Wednesday. The move came as delegates loyal to Gabam adopted Lagos businessman Abimbola Atanda as the party’s new sole presidential candidate through a voice vote. The convention also dissolved the existing National Working Committee and elected a fresh set of national officers, marking a significant shift in the party’s leadership structure.
The expulsion of Adebayo and his allies was carried out during the convention, which was dominated by supporters of Shehu Gabam, a prominent figure within the SDP. The faction cited internal disagreements and alleged breaches of party loyalty as reasons for the disciplinary action. Among those expelled are key party figures including the factional National Chairman, Sadiq Gombe; National Secretary, Olu Agunloye; and National Publicity Secretary, Rufus Aiyenigba.
Other expelled members include Joseph Abu, Maggie Batubo, Sa’adatu Abdullahi, Abimbola Aderemi, Oguchukwu Uba, Huseesini Bello, Alabi Lekan, Rosemary Effiong, and Abubakar Modibo. These individuals were part of the previous leadership structure and had been aligned with Adebayo’s presidential bid. Their removal signals a decisive break from the previous leadership and consolidates power within the Gabam-led faction.
The convention proceeded with the dissolution of the National Working Committee, a move that cleared the way for the election of new national officers. The new leadership was chosen through a voice vote, a process that underscored the faction’s control over the party’s decision-making apparatus. This swift restructuring aims to unify the party under a single leadership framework ahead of upcoming elections.
Abimbola Atanda, the newly adopted presidential candidate, is a Lagos-based businessman with no prior political office but has been active in party affairs. His selection is seen as a strategic move to bring fresh energy and broader appeal to the SDP’s campaign. The party’s leadership now faces the challenge of uniting its members and building a cohesive platform for the 2027 general elections.
This development highlights the ongoing internal struggles within the SDP as it seeks to reposition itself in Nigeria’s competitive political landscape. The expulsion of key figures and the elevation of Atanda may influence voter perception and party dynamics in the months ahead. As the party moves forward, its ability to present a united front will be critical to its success in future elections.
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