Court Confirms Gombe as SDP National Chairman, Ends Crisis

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 prolonged leadership crisis. The unanimous decision, delivered by a three-member panel led by Justice Fadawu Umaru, voided the Federal High Court judgment that had recognized expelled member Shehu Gabam as chairman, declaring Suit No FHC/ABJ/CS/402/2026 a nullity.

The appeal was initiated by the Gombe-led SDP leadership to contest the Federal High Court ruling that aimed to restore Gabam to his position despite his expulsion. The appellate court ruled that the Federal High Court erred in law, as the Supreme Court had already settled the issue in favor of Gombe’s leadership on May 22, 2026.

Following the judgment, SDP presidential candidate and lead counsel, Prince Adewole Adebayo, stated that the appellate court dismissed all six applications related to the dispute. The court also validated Dr. Francis Ajala as the SDP governorship candidate in Osun State, rejecting a rival claim by Salahu.

Adebayo described the ruling as a definitive closure to the legal disputes that had distracted the party ahead of the 2027 elections.