The crisis rocking the opposition Social Democratic Party (SDP) escalated sharply on Thursday as rival factions clashed at the party’s national secretariat in Abuja, forcing a heavy police takeover of the premises just 48 hours before its scheduled national convention in Bauchi State.
The development followed a tense confrontation allegedly triggered when the expelled former National Chairman, Shehu Musa Gabam, stormed the secretariat alongside supporters and some security operatives in what party officials described as an attempt to forcibly reclaim control of the party’s headquarters.
Eyewitness accounts from the secretariat indicated that the arriving group allegedly overpowered internal security, creating panic before the situation degenerated into a full-blown standoff.
In response to the escalating tension, the National Secretary, Dr. Olu Agunloye, reportedly contacted the Federal Capital Territory Police Command, prompting the deployment of armed officers to the scene. A team led by the Divisional Police Officer of Wuse Division subsequently took control of the secretariat and ordered all party officials and staff to vacate the premises.
Speaking to journalists, Agunloye described the incident as a “coordinated invasion,” alleging that the disruption occurred while the party was finalising arrangements for its national convention scheduled for Saturday in Bauchi.
He also revealed that the party had just received a communication from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) inviting both factions to an Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) meeting, a development he questioned given the proximity to the convention date.
“We were responding to a letter from INEC when the secretariat was suddenly invaded and our security was overrun,” Agunloye said, alleging that force was used to breach the premises.
He further accused unnamed actors of attempting to destabilise the party at a critical moment, insisting that the SDP remained prepared to proceed with its convention despite the unfolding crisis.
However, the faction led by the embattled National Chairman, Prof. Abubakar Sadiq Gombe, dismissed claims of illegitimacy, insisting that there was no leadership vacuum within the party.
Gombe alleged that the secretariat was invaded by “thugs working with expelled elements,” maintaining that the current leadership had complied with all constitutional and electoral requirements, including notifications to INEC.
He argued that disciplinary actions taken against some former officials followed due process and were duly ratified by the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC), which, according to him, was duly monitored by electoral officials.
“There is no crisis in the SDP as being portrayed. External forces are only attempting to disrupt a lawful process,” Gombe said, urging members nationwide to proceed to Bauchi for the convention.
Agunloye also maintained that the convention would go ahead as scheduled, alleging that security operatives used tear gas to disperse party members during the confrontation.
Meanwhile, Gabam has reportedly announced plans to hold a parallel national convention in Abuja on May 17, a move that has further deepened the factional divide within the party.
The Wuse Division Police DPO, when approached for clarification, declined to comment in detail, referring journalists to the Police Public Relations Officer for official response.
The latest development underscores a worsening leadership tussle within the SDP, with the party now split into rival camps, each laying claim to legitimacy ahead of its crucial national convention.
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