SDP suspends Donald Duke and expels Jerry Gana for anti-party activities as it rallies behind Buhari

FORMER Cross River State governor Donald Duke has been suspended from the Social Democratic Party (SDP) for anti-party activities while his rival former information minister Professor Jerry Gana has been expelled.

 

Over the last two months, the SDP has been torn apart over who will be its presidential candidate as the ongoing spat between Governor Duke and Professor Gana has torn the party asunder. On December 14, an Abuja federal high court nullified Governor Duke's selection as the SDP's flag bearer after ruling in favour of a suit filed by Professor Gana but this was later overturned by the Court of Appeal.

 

Governor Duke succeeded in reversing the lower court judgement on January 24, as in a unanimous decision by a three-man panel led by Justice Abdul Aboki named him the authentic SDP presidential candidate. Following the decision, the SDP subsequently forwarded Governor Duke’s name to Inec as its presidential candidate and last week, he participated in a live television debate involving six aspirants.

 

However, last Thursday, the SDP revealed that it decided to jettison Governor Duke as its presidential candidate and adopt President Muhammadu Buhari because of the ongoing spat within its ranks. Governor Duke and Professor Gana still have at least one case in court, so to end the spat, the SDP has decided to let go of both of them.

 

SDP director of media and publicity Yemi Akinbode, said that Professor Gana was expelled for gross misconduct and anti-party activities, which violated the constitution of the party. Governor Duke for now, remains a party member, although he is suspended, meaning he cannot participate in any more election campaigns.

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