The leadership of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) has strongly opposed the removal of Senator Ali Ndume as the Chief Whip of the Senate, calling it a threat to the nation’s democracy.
Speaking to journalists in Abuja, SDP National Chairman Shehu Gabam praised Senator Ndume for his courageous stance against the APC’s authoritarian tendencies and invited him to join the Social Democratic Party.
“The recent removal of Sen. Ali Ndume as Chief Whip of the Senate, coupled with the intolerance displayed by the Presidency and the All Progressives Congress (APC), is a stark reminder of the dangers of unchecked power,” Gabam said.
Gabam further elaborated, “Sen. Ndume’s criticism of the government’s policies and their impact on Nigerians is not only legitimate but also a testament to his commitment to the well-being of our citizens. Yet, instead of engaging with his concerns, the APC leadership chose to silence him through removal and intimidation.”
Highlighting a pattern of similar incidents, Gabam recalled, “This is not an isolated incident. We recall the experiences of Sen. Abdul Ningi, who was suspended for raising an issue of alleged padding of the budget, an issue of grave concern that casts aspersions on the integrity of both the Senate and the Presidency. Recently, former president of the 9th Senate, Sen. Ahmed Lawan, also raised serious concerns, and Sen. Adams Oshiomole suffered similar fates for speaking truth to power. This trend is alarming and undermines the principles of democracy and fair hearing.”
Gabam urged Nigerians to embrace criticism, listen to the concerns of their fellow citizens, and work towards building a more inclusive and participatory democracy.
