INEC lists Gabam as SDP national chairman
Court of Appeal judgment settles prolonged party leadership crisis
Updated party structure published online “by court order”
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has formally recognised the National Working Committee (NWC) of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) led by Shehu Musa Gabam, bringing an end to the party’s prolonged leadership dispute.
INEC reflected the decision on its official website, publishing the names of the party’s national executives with a bold notation, “By Court Order,” attached to most positions.
ATTENTION: Click “HERE” to join our WhatsApp group and receive News updates directly on your WhatsApp!
Under the updated structure, Gabam is listed as National Chairman, while Olu Agunloye is recognised as National Secretary. Other members include National Treasurer Hajia Maggie Mariam and National Legal Adviser Barrister Aderemi Abimbola.
The development follows a judgment by the Court of Appeal, Abuja Division, which affirmed Gabam as the authentic leader of the party.
In its ruling delivered on March 27, 2026, a three-member panel of justices held that the earlier decision of the Federal High Court lacked jurisdiction over the SDP leadership tussle, thereby nullifying its pronouncement that had recognised a rival faction.
READ ALSO: INEC kicks off 2027 Elections, Gives Parties 38-day Window For Primaries
“The appeal succeeds in part,” the court ruled, setting aside the lower court’s findings on party leadership while maintaining that the appellant was not a valid aspirant in the disputed primary.
The appellate court’s decision effectively invalidated the recognition of the faction led by Dr Sadiq Umar Abubakar Gombe and restored legitimacy to the Gabam-led executive.
The case originated from a dispute over the conduct of the party’s Ekiti State governorship primary, with the appellant challenging the authority of the leadership that organised the exercise.
Despite nullifying aspects of the lower court ruling, the appellate court upheld INEC’s monitoring report, which confirmed that the primary election was conducted with valid delegates and produced a winner.
With INEC’s latest action, the Gabam-led leadership now has official recognition, paving the way for unified party administration ahead of future political activities.
