ABUJA — The Court of Appeal in Abuja has set aside the judgment of the Federal High Court that recognised Shehu Gabam as National Chairman of the Social Democratic Party, affirming Prof. Abubakar Sadiq Gombe as the party’s legitimate leader .
CDA News Nigeria gathered that a three-member panel led by Justice Fadawu Umaru delivered the unanimous judgment on Wednesday, declaring Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/402/2026 null and void . The court held that the Federal High Court erred in entertaining the matter because the Supreme Court had already settled the leadership dispute on May 22, 2026, in favour of the Gombe-led faction .
CDA News Nigeria reports that the appellate court also affirmed the nomination of Dr Francis Ajala as the SDP governorship candidate for the Osun State election, dismissing challenges to his candidacy . SDP presidential candidate and lead counsel, Prince Adewole Adebayo, described the verdict as a comprehensive victory, noting the court ruled in favour of the appellants in all six applications before it .
Speaking after the judgment, SDP National Chairman, Prof. Gombe, commended the judiciary for the speedy resolution of the case and urged INEC to respect the internal affairs of registered political parties . Adebayo expressed confidence that the ruling had finally ended the prolonged leadership dispute within the party .
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