The crisis rocking the Social Democratic Party (SDP) taken a new turn at the weekend as another faction of the Party expelled its former presidential candidate, Prince Adewale Adebayo, and several others over alleged anti-party activities, even as it accused National Secretary, Dr. Olu Agunloye of gross misconduct, contempt of court, and attempts to destabilize the party through misinformation and abuse of institutions.
Addressing Journalists in Abuja at the weekend the National Publicity Secretary of the party, Ambassador Judith Shua’ibu, disclosed that the decision followed exhaustive deliberations during an emergency session of the National Working Committee (NWC) held on October 24, 2025.
She explained that the meeting was convened to address “pressing issues affecting the peace, progress, and institutional integrity of the party,” and to reaffirm the SDP’s commitment to transparency, unity, and internal democracy.
Shua’ibu stated that the conduct of Dr. Agunloye, a former national officer of the party, had become a source of concern, accusing him of acting “far outside the bounds of law, fairness, and party discipline.”
According to her, rather than work with party leadership to resolve differences, Agunloye allegedly resorted to filing petitions with the Nigerian Police Force, making spurious claims against national officials, and misleading security agencies with false information.
She alleged that the former official had gone as far as to accuse party leaders of theft and burglary at the SDP’s national secretariat, even though the property was open and accessible to party members.
“Instead of cooperating with law enforcement in good faith, Dr. Agunloye has been feeding the Nigerian Police with misleading information and using police personnel to block access to the national secretariat, preventing law-abiding members and executives from accessing their own offices,” she said.
The party described these actions as an abuse of privilege and a direct assault on both the SDP’s internal integrity and the credibility of state institutions.
She further accused Agunloye of disregarding judicial processes, noting that he had continued to make pronouncements and take actions while matters involving him remained before competent courts.
According to her, “One must then ask: is Dr. Agunloye afraid of the outcomes of the very cases he instigated, or is he simply seeking to impose malicious dictates on our party through perceived external backing?”
Beyond the internal wrangling, the SDP leadership expressed concern over what it called “reckless and dangerous ethnic narratives” being circulated by some disgruntled elements within the party. It alleged that such individuals were exploiting ethnic sentiments and spreading misinformation about the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in an attempt to delegitimize national institutions.
According to her, “these individuals have even made allusions suggesting that they are awaiting the replacement of the INEC Chairman to advance their private and ethnic agendas,” Shua’ibu said, describing the move as both mischievous and harmful to Nigeria’s democracy.
She stated that the NWC, invoking the relevant provisions of the SDP Constitution, had no choice but to expel Adebayo and other members found guilty of gross misconduct, anti-party activities, and acts calculated to plunge the party into crisis. It emphasized that their actions violated the ethos and collective will of the Social Democratic Party and were inconsistent with its commitment to democratic order.
According to her, “consequently, and in line with Article 19.3 (vi)(e) of the SDP Constitution, the National Working Committee, at its emergency meeting of Friday, October 24, 2025, resolved to expel the following individuals from the Social Democratic Party with immediate effect:
- Prince Adewale Adebayo – Former Presidential Candidate
- Aderemi Abimbola
- Joseph Achile Abu
- Sa’adatu Abdullahi
- Aiyenigba Rufus
- Maggie Mariam Batubo
” Their actions constitute flagrant violations of the ethos, discipline, and collective will of the Social Democratic Party”.
She further clarified the status of certain individuals parading themselves as members and officials of the Party and urged the members of the public to regard as Impostors
According to her, “Clarification on Non-Members and Impostors : For further clarity, the Committee also wishes to state categorically that the following individuals:
● Rosemary A. Effiong
● Sadiq Abubakar
● Ugochukwu Uba
● Ado Hussieni
are not registered members of the Social Democratic Party.
” In fact, Ado Hussieni was long expelled from the party and therefore lacks any authority to act, speak, or represent the SDP in any capacity.
Shua’ibu also dismissed the activities of certain individuals parading themselves as party officials, insisting that they were not registered members of the SDP and lacked any legal or moral authority to act or speak on its behalf.
She warned such persons to desist from impersonation and interference in the internal affairs of the party, describing their conduct as “mischievous, baseless, and intended to mislead the public.”
Reiterating the party’s official stance, the spokesperson stressed that the SDP remained a disciplined and law-abiding political institution committed to upholding transparency, accountability, and internal order.
“Let it be made absolutely clear: the SDP is not at war with itself, but it will not condone lawlessness, intimidation, or impunity under any guise,” she said.
The party urged members across the country to remain steadfast and not be distracted by the antics of a few individuals seeking personal gain at the expense of collective progress. Shua’ibu also appealed to the media to verify reports through official party communication channels to avoid being misled by impostors.
She reaffirmed that the Social Democratic Party remains united, strong, and focused on providing Nigerians with a credible, people-centered alternative to governance. “The SDP stands undeterred in its commitment to justice, fairness, and accountable leadership,” she declared, adding that the party will continue to defend democracy and strengthen public confidence in Nigeria’s political system.
“The SDP is not at war with itself, but it will not condone lawlessness, intimidation, or impunity under any guise,” she emphasized, calling on all members to rally around the party’s ideals as it works to restore order and integrity to its ranks, She declared
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