The crisis rocking the Social Democratic Party (SDP) took a new turn at the weekend as a faction of the party announced the expulsion of its former presidential candidate, Prince Adewale Adebayo, alongside several others over alleged anti-party activities. The faction also accused the National Secretary, Dr.
Olu Agunloye, of gross misconduct, contempt of court, and attempts to destabilize the party through misinformation and abuse of public institutions.
Addressing journalists in Abuja, the National Publicity Secretary of the party, Ambassador Judith Shua’ibu, said the decision followed extensive 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,” reaffirming the SDP’s commitment to transparency, unity, and internal democracy.
According to Shua’ibu, the conduct of Dr. Agunloye, a former national officer of the party, had become a matter of serious concern, as he was allegedly acting “far outside the bounds of law, fairness, and party discipline.”
Rather than working with party leadership to resolve internal disagreements, Agunloye was accused of filing petitions with the Nigerian Police Force, making unfounded claims against national officials, and misleading security agencies with false information.
She alleged that Agunloye had even accused party leaders of theft and burglary at the SDP national secretariat, despite the fact that the facility remained open and accessible to 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 offices,” Shua’ibu said.
The party described his 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 by making pronouncements and taking actions while matters involving him were still 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 worry over what it called “reckless and dangerous ethnic narratives” being spread by disgruntled members to manipulate party loyalists and discredit national institutions, including the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
“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 mischievous and detrimental to Nigeria’s democracy.
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Invoking the relevant provisions of the SDP Constitution, the NWC announced the expulsion of Adebayo and other members found guilty of gross misconduct, anti-party activities, and actions capable of plunging the party into crisis. It noted that their behavior violated the ethos and collective will of the SDP and was inconsistent with its democratic values.
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 said.
Shua’ibu also clarified the status of certain individuals parading themselves as party officials, urging the public to regard them as impostors.
She said, “For further clarity, the Committee 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,” she added.
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The spokesperson further warned individuals impersonating party officials to desist from such acts, describing their conduct as “mischievous, baseless, and intended to mislead the public.”
Reiterating the party’s position, Shua’ibu maintained that the SDP remains a disciplined and law-abiding political organization committed to 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.
She urged members nationwide to remain steadfast and focused, dismissing the distractions caused by a few individuals pursuing personal interests at the expense of collective progress.
Shua’ibu also called on the media to verify reports through official party channels to avoid being misled by impostors.
She reaffirmed that the Social Democratic Party remains united, strong, and dedicated to 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.
“The SDP is not at war with itself, but it will not condone lawlessness, intimidation, or impunity under any guise,” she emphasized, calling on members to rally around the party’s ideals as it works to restore order and integrity to its ranks.
