SDP Legal Battle Ends as Appeal Court Backs Party Leadership

The Court of Appeal in Abuja has set aside the judgment of the Federal High Court recognising expelled Shehu Gabam as National Chairman of the Social Democratic Party (SDP).

A three-member panel comprising Justices Fadawu Umaru, M. S. Hassan and L.A. Ganiyu delivered the unanimous judgment in Abuja.
In the lead judgment, Justice Umaru declared the judgment of Justice M.G. Umar in Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/402/2026 null and void.
The judgment followed an appeal by the SDP leadership under Professor Abubakar Sadiq Gombe, challenging the Federal High Court decision recognising Gabam as the party’s National Chairman.
The appellate court held that the basis of the Federal High Court judgment was faulty, noting that the Supreme Court had earlier ruled on the leadership dispute on May 22, 2026.
The Court of Appeal also set aside the decision of the lower court on the party’s governorship nomination, holding that the Federal High Court erred in entertaining the matter.
Speaking after the judgment, SDP presidential candidate and counsel to the appellants, Prince Adewole Adebayo, said the Court of Appeal ruled in favour of the party on all six applications considered.
Adebayo said the appellate court found the Federal High Court judgment recognising Gabam to be a nullity because it contradicted the earlier Supreme Court decision.
He also said the Court affirmed the nomination of Dr. Francis Ajala as the SDP governorship candidate for Osun State.
According to him, the judgment has effectively resolved the prolonged leadership dispute within the party and provided clarity for the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC.
Adebayo commended the judiciary for resolving the dispute and urged INEC to respect decisions validly taken by political parties regarding their leadership and candidates.
Also speaking, SDP National Chairman, Professor Abubakar Sadiq Gombe, welcomed the judgment and commended the judiciary for the speedy determination of the matter.
Gombe urged INEC to respect the internal affairs of all registered political parties, particularly decisions concerning leadership and candidate selection.
He also commended Adebayo and the party’s legal team for their efforts in defending the party’s interests.
The SDP chairman thanked the media for its coverage of the party’s prolonged legal battle and urged journalists to continue supporting efforts towards a free, fair and credible 2027 general election.