SDP's Adebayo Celebrates Supreme Court Ruling Ending Leadership Crisis

On September 16, 2026, Prince Adewole Adebayo, the presidential candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), announced that the Supreme Court's dismissal of Shehu Gabam's appeal effectively resolved the party's leadership crisis. The Supreme Court ruled against Gabam, who had challenged the leadership of Prof. Abubakar Sadiq Gombe.

The five-member panel, including Justices Adamu Jauro, Haruna Tsammani, A.A. Adumein, Jonah Adah, and Joseph Oyewole, found Gabam's appeal irrelevant and dismissed it.

Adebayo stated that this ruling closed the chapter on the leadership dispute, emphasizing that there would be no further issues regarding SDP leadership. He also noted that the justices suggested the plaintiffs withdraw their appeal and apologize, although this was not detailed in the judgment.

Additionally, Adebayo mentioned that the SDP has two other cases pending before the Supreme Court, including one involving the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) concerning the 2027 general election timetable, aimed at limiting INEC's powers in the electoral process.