The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has officially recognised Shehu Gabam as the National Chairman of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), following a decisive Court of Appeal ruling that resolved a prolonged internal leadership crisis. The commission updated its official website to reflect the new leadership structure, marking a significant shift in the party's direction.
INEC Updates Website with New SDP Leadership
INEC's updated website now displays the names of the new National Working Committee (NWC) members, with the inscription "By Court Order" placed before all positions except the National Secretary. According to Arise TV, Shehu Gabam is listed as National Chairman, while Dr. Olu Agunloye serves as National Secretary. Other executives include Hajia Maggie Mariam as National Treasurer and Aderemi Abimbola as National Legal Adviser.
This recognition comes after the Court of Appeal, Abuja Division, affirmed Gabam as the authentic National Chairman of the SDP. In a unanimous judgment delivered on March 27, 2026, a three-member panel of justices ruled on an appeal marked CA/ABJ/CV/126/2026, filed by Fayemi Babatunde. The appellant had challenged the validity of the Ekiti State governorship primary, arguing that the leadership under Dr. Sadiq Gombe lacked legitimacy and sought an order restraining INEC from recognising candidates produced by the disputed leadership.
Federal High Court Decision Overturned
Earlier, on January 19, 2026, the Federal High Court in Abuja had dismissed the case, with Justice Emeka Nwite affirming Gombe as the party's authentic chairman. However, the appellate court partially overturned this decision, ruling that the trial court lacked jurisdiction to make pronouncements on the SDP leadership crisis. Delivering the lead judgment, Justice Eberechi Nyesom-Wike, alongside Justices Abba Mohammed and Oyejoju Oyewumi, stated: "The appeal succeeds in part." The court set aside the Federal High Court's pronouncement recognising Gombe as leader and its validation of the November 8, 2025 primary election.
INEC Monitoring Report Validates Primary Outcome
Despite nullifying those aspects, the appellate court relied on INEC's monitoring report, which confirmed that the primary election was conducted with valid delegates and produced a clear winner, Mr. Bankole Oludele. The SDP, founded in December 1989 as part of Nigeria's transition to democracy under General Ibrahim Babangida, has historically been a centre-left party advocating social justice, welfare, and inclusive governance. The party is famously linked to the annulled June 12, 1993 election, widely regarded as Nigeria's fairest, won by Chief Moshood Abiola.
SDP's Adewole Adebayo Calls for Tinubu's Resignation
In related news, Legit.ng earlier reported that Adewole Adebayo, presidential candidate of the SDP in the 2023 general elections, challenged President Bola Tinubu to either decisively utilise the instruments of state power to end insecurity or resign from office. Tinubu, a chieftain of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), is widely tipped to emerge as the party's flagbearer for the 2027 election.
