The National Chairman of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Prof. Abubakar Sadique Gombe, on Monday expressed confidence in the ongoing prosecution of some former party officials over alleged financial misconduct, despite the inability of the Magistrate Court sitting on Mambolo Street, Zone 2, Abuja, to hear the matter.
Speaking with journalists after the court session, Sadique Gombe said the case was adjourned to August 17, 2026, after the court announced that it would not sit due to unforeseen circumstances.
According to him, the prosecution team, their lawyers and witnesses were already in court before the announcement was made.
“The court informed us that it would not be sitting today due to unforeseen circumstances and apologised to all parties. A new date, August 17, 2026, has been fixed for the continuation of the case,” he said.
Gombe dismissed suggestions that the matter had lingered for too long, insisting that the court had consistently sat throughout the proceedings and that the delay was beyond the control of the prosecution.
He noted that Zenith Bank officials, who had been subpoenaed to produce statements of account considered crucial to the case, were present in court with the required documents before the sitting was cancelled.
“We have done our part by making available all the necessary evidence relating to the allegations of criminal breach of trust, misappropriation and financial crimes. Unfortunately, the court did not sit today, but we are hopeful that on the next adjourned date, the bank statements and other evidence will be tendered,” he said.
The SDP chairman alleged that the financial records would reveal suspicious transactions involving a former youth leader of the party, claiming that the individual received numerous payments despite not occupying any position connected with the management of party funds.
According to him, preliminary examination of the documents showed repeated transfers to the individual within the period under review.
Gombe said the current SDP leadership embarked on a campaign to sanitise the party and strengthen internal accountability mechanisms.
He argued that political parties play a critical role in Nigeria’s democratic process and must be led by credible individuals capable of producing competent leaders for public office.
“If political parties are not properly managed, it becomes difficult to produce quality leadership. Our focus is to ensure transparency, accountability and integrity within the party system,” he stated.
The SDP chairman also urged the judiciary to continue dealing decisively with cases involving alleged corruption and misconduct within political organisations, saying such actions would serve as a deterrent and strengthen Nigeria’s democratic institutions.
On the lingering leadership dispute involving former SDP National Chairman, Shehu Musa Gabam, Gombe maintained that the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) had validly suspended and expelled Gabam and another official during its March 9, 2026 meeting.
He argued that leadership and internal affairs of political parties remain exclusive matters for party organs and are not to be determined by external bodies.
“The NEC, which is the highest administrative organ of the party, took the decision after due process. All relevant organs of the party were represented, and the decision remains valid,” he said.
Gombe further claimed that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) monitored the party’s NEC meeting and subsequently certified that the proceedings complied with the SDP constitution, the Electoral Act and INEC guidelines.
He accused Gabam of obtaining court orders based on what he described as misrepresentations, insisting that previous judicial decisions, including a Supreme Court judgment, had already settled issues relating to the party’s internal affairs.
The SDP chairman reiterated that the party remains focused on rebuilding its structures and preparing for future elections, while pursuing accountability and internal reforms.
The criminal case is expected to resume on August 17, when the prosecution is expected to present additional documentary evidence and witnesses before the court.
