SDP Chairman Insists Fraud Case Backed by Evidence

The National Chairman of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Prof. Sadiq Umar Abubakar Gombe, has expressed confidence in the prosecution of alleged financial crimes involving former party officials, insisting that substantial evidence had been assembled to support the case.

The case, which could not proceed on Monday due to the court’s inability to sit, was adjourned to August 17, 2026.

Speaking with journalists after the court session, Gombe said both parties were present and ready for proceedings before the court announced its inability to sit due to unforeseen circumstances.

He noted that officials of Zenith Bank had also appeared in court with the requested statement of account, describing the document as a crucial piece of evidence in the prosecution’s case.

According to him, investigations into the party’s 2024 bank records allegedly uncovered questionable financial transactions, including multiple payments made to an individual who had no official responsibility for the party’s finances.

Gombe alleged that the individual received payments on 75 occasions within one year, with several transactions reportedly made on the same day.

The SDP chairman said the current leadership was determined to sanitise the party and promote accountability, transparency and integrity in its operations.

He also called on the judiciary to expedite politically related criminal cases ahead of the 2027 general elections, stressing that timely justice would strengthen democratic institutions and deter misconduct within political parties.

On the party’s leadership dispute, Gombe dismissed claims that former National Chairman, Shehu Musa Gabam, had been restored to office.

He maintained that the SDP National Executive Committee validly suspended and expelled Gabam and another official in March 2026, insisting that leadership issues remained internal affairs of political parties.

Gombe added that the party remained focused on strengthening its structures and providing credible leadership ahead of future elections.