Appeal Court affirms Prof Gombe as national leader of SDP

On Wednesday, the Court of Appeal in Abuja affirmed Prof Abubakar Sadiq Gombe as the National Chairman of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), concluding a protracted legal dispute. The three-judge panel, led by Justice Fadawu Umaru, overturned the Federal High Court's decision that had recognized Shehu Gabam as the party's leader.

The appellate court declared the lower court's ruling null and void, setting it aside. This decision prompted the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to include SDP on the ballot paper for the upcoming Osun State Governorship election. Justices M.S. Hassan and L.A. Ganiyu also participated in the unanimous decision.

The appeal was filed by Gombe's SDP leadership to contest the High Court's attempt to reinstate Gabam, despite his expulsion. The court ruled in favor of Gombe, citing the Supreme Court's earlier ruling on May 22, 2026, in his favor. SDP presidential candidate Prince Adewole Adebayo hailed the appellate court's decision, stating that it dismissed all six applications and validated Dr Francis Ajala as the SDP's governorship candidate in Osun State.

Adebayo praised the judiciary for settling the matter expeditiously, allowing the SDP to concentrate on defeating the APC government in the upcoming general elections. SDP National Chairman Prof Sadiq Gombe commended the judiciary for its swift handling of the case within four to five days, urging INEC to respect the internal decisions of all registered political parties regarding candidate selection.