The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has formally recognised Shehu Gabam as the National Chairman of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) , a move that has ignited a fresh leadership crisis within the opposition party.
Following a Court of Appeal judgment delivered on March 27, 2026, INEC updated its official website to reflect Gabam as National Chairman and Dr. Olu Agunloye as National Secretary, with a bold inscription, “By Court Order,” preceding the names of executive members .
Party Rejects Recognition
The SDP leadership, however, has rejected INEC’s decision. The National Publicity Secretary, Rufus Aiyenigba, described the move as “unconstitutional, illegal and unnecessary interference in the affairs of the party” .
Aiyenigba insisted that no valid court order was served on the party and that Gabam is no longer a member of the SDP. “We see it as a contempt of the Supreme Court by INEC. That is unconstitutional, illegal and unnecessary interference in the affairs of the party,” he said .
Court of Appeal Ruling
The appellate court’s ruling stemmed from an appeal by an aggrieved party member, Fayemi Babatunde . A three-member panel headed by Justice Eberechi Suzzette Nyesom-Wike held that the Federal High Court lacked jurisdiction to pronounce on the SDP leadership tussle, setting aside the lower court’s recognition of Gombe as chairman .
While the court did not order INEC to recognise Gabam, the commission cited the judgment as the basis for its decision .
Governorship Candidate Remains
Despite nullifying the Gombe-led NWC’s legitimacy, the appellate court upheld the validity of the Ekiti State governorship primary, relying on INEC’s monitoring report which confirmed that Bankole Oludele emerged as the valid candidate .
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