INEC Recognizes Gabam-Led SDP After Court Ruling

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has formally recognized the National Working Committee (NWC) of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) led by Gabam after a court ruling. This development marks the end of a prolonged leadership crisis within the party.

The INEC's official website now lists Gabam as the national chairman, alongside Olu Agunloye as the national secretary and Hajia Maggi Mariam as the national treasurer. The recognition follows a judgment from the Court of Appeal in Abuja, delivered on March 27, 2026, by a three-member panel that unanimously upheld Gabam's appeal against a rival faction led by Fayemi Tosin Babatund.

The court ruled that the Federal High Court lacked jurisdiction to pronounce on the SDP leadership tussle, declaring its earlier ruling null and void. The appeal court's decision also confirmed the validity of the primary elections conducted under Gabam's leadership, which produced the winner, Engr.

Bankol David Oludel.