SDP crisis deepens as police summon factional NWC over alleged HQ seizure attempt
Police reportedly invited members of the Social Democratic Party's National Working Committee over an alleged attempt to seize the party's national headquarters in Abuja, per factional chairman Sadiq Gombe. He confirmed the development Saturday, noting all NWC members received invitations linked to the disputed leadership crisis, though he personally got no formal notice. This follows SDP's earlier petitions to police and anti-graft agencies alleging N626 million in financial misconduct by the party's expelled national chairman—a claim Gombe says saw no action from EFCC, ICPC, or DSS. Gombe stated the affected officials were given chances to appear before a disciplinary committee chaired by Sadiq Lima but refused, leading to a white paper committee recommending their expulsion. He rejected suggestions that external bodies like INEC could determine SDP leadership, insisting internal party affairs remain parties' exclusive right per Supreme Court rulings. The latest escalation highlights SDP's fracture ahead of 2027 elections, with Gombe maintaining only internal processes can resolve leadership disputes despite conflicting claims over the party's authentic national leadership. With serious financial allegations unresolved and disciplinary processes sidestepped, can SDP present a credible opposition force ahead of 2027, or will this internal turmoil push disillusioned voters toward other alternatives?