Appeal Court Ruling: INEC Confirms Gabam as Authentic SDP National Chairman

MATTERS ARISING 6060

ABUJA, Nigeria — The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has officially confirmed Alhaji Shehu Musa Gabam as the National Chairman of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), bringing an end to the party’s lingering leadership dispute following a decisive Court of Appeal judgment.

The confirmation follows the March 27, 2026 ruling of the Court of Appeal in Suit Nos. CA/ABJ/CV/126/2026 and CA/ABJ/CV/127/2026, which unanimously reinstated Gabam as the authentic chairman of the party.

The appellate court set aside the earlier Federal High Court judgment of January 19, 2026, which had recognised Sadiq Abubakar Gombe as SDP chairman, describing the lower court’s decision as “manifestly perverse” and made without jurisdiction.

By updating its official portal to reflect Gabam’s name as National Chairman, INEC has aligned its records with the binding pronouncement of the superior court, effectively closing the legal chapter surrounding the leadership crisis.

The ruling means that any further claim by Gombe to the office of National Chairman carries no legal standing unless overturned by the Supreme Court.

Political stakeholders within the party say the development restores order and legitimacy to the SDP’s leadership structure after weeks of uncertainty and competing claims.

The judgment is also being seen as a significant boost for the party’s internal democracy, with observers noting that the decision reinforces the principle that party leadership must be determined by law and not by political declarations.

Party members loyal to Gabam described the ruling as a victory for due process and the rule of law, insisting that the party can now focus on strengthening its structures ahead of future elections.

The SDP, historically known as the platform of the late M.K.O. Abiola’s 1993 presidential mandate, has in recent years witnessed renewed political activity and growing national relevance.

Supporters of Gabam argue that the party’s resurgence, including electoral gains at both national and state levels, has been driven by his leadership and grassroots mobilisation strategy.

With the legal dispute now settled at the appellate level and INEC’s portal reflecting the court’s decision, the focus is expected to shift to party consolidation and preparations for upcoming political contests.

The development also sends a broader message about the supremacy of judicial decisions in resolving internal party disputes within Nigeria’s democratic system.

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