ABUJA — The Court of Appeal sitting in Abuja has nullified the Federal High Court judgment recognising Shehu Gabam as National Chairman of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), in a major victory for the Prof. Abubakar Sadiq Gombe-led faction.
A three-member panel of the appellate court, comprising Justices Fadawu Umaru, M.S. Hassan and L.A. Ganiyu, delivered a unanimous judgment yesterday.
In the lead judgment, Justice Umaru declared null and void the decision of Justice M.G. Umar in Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/402/2026, which had recognised Gabam as the party’s national chairman.
The judgment followed an appeal filed by the Gombe-led SDP leadership challenging the decision of the Federal High Court.
The Court of Appeal held that the basis of the lower court’s decision was flawed, noting that the Supreme Court had earlier ruled in favour of the Gombe-led leadership.
Speaking shortly after the judgment, SDP presidential candidate and counsel to the appellants, Prince Adewole Adebayo, said the appellate court ruled in favour of the party in all six applications considered.
Adebayo said the Court of Appeal declared the Federal High Court judgment recognising Gabam null and void because it was inconsistent with an earlier Supreme Court judgment delivered on May 22, 2026.
He said the appellate court also affirmed the nomination of Dr Francis Ajala as the SDP governorship candidate for the Osun State election.
According to him, the Federal High Court erred by entertaining the suit challenging Ajala’s nomination.
Adebayo described the judgment as the culmination of the prolonged legal battle over the leadership of the party, saying it had provided clarity for the SDP and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
“The judiciary has done very well for Nigeria and has guided INEC very well,” he said.
He expressed confidence that the ruling would put an end to the leadership crisis that had rocked the party.
Also reacting, Gombe commended the judiciary for resolving the dispute, urging INEC to respect the internal affairs of registered political parties, particularly decisions relating to candidate selection and nomination.
He also commended Adebayo for leading the party’s legal team and praised the judiciary for what he described as its contribution to strengthening Nigeria’s democracy.
Gombe equally appreciated the media for its coverage of the prolonged dispute and urged journalists to continue to educate the public ahead of the 2027 general elections.
