The Court of Appeal sitting in Abuja has overturned a Federal High Court ruling that recognised Shehu Gabam as the National Chairman of the Social Democratic Party, SDP.
The appellate court delivered the decision on Wednesday in a unanimous ruling by a three-member panel made up of Justices Fadawu Umaru, M.S. Hassan and L.A. Ganiyu.
Justice Umaru, who read the lead judgment, declared the decision of Justice M.G. Umar of the Federal High Court in Abuja null and void.
The case arose from an appeal filed by the SDP faction led by Prof. Abubakar Gombe against the earlier Federal High Court ruling which had recognised Gabam as the party’s National Chairman.
In reaching its decision, the Court of Appeal found that the Federal High Court had relied on a faulty basis in reaching its judgment.
The appellate court also referred to an earlier decision of the Supreme Court delivered on May 22, 2026, which had ruled in favour of the Gombe-led leadership.
The latest judgment has therefore overturned the Federal High Court decision and returned the leadership matter to the position supported by the earlier Supreme Court ruling.
SDP presidential candidate and counsel to the appellants, Prince Adewole Adebayo, said the Court of Appeal resolved all six applications before it in favour of the party leadership he represented.
Adebayo said the appellate court found that the Federal High Court decision recognising Gabam could not stand because it conflicted with the earlier Supreme Court ruling.
The lawyer also disclosed that the Court of Appeal affirmed the nomination of Dr Francis Ajala as the SDP governorship candidate for the Osun State election.
According to Adebayo, the Federal High Court had also made an error by entertaining a case challenging Ajala’s nomination as the party’s candidate.
He said the latest ruling had brought the long-running legal battle over the leadership of the SDP to an end and would provide clearer direction for the Independent National Electoral Commission in dealing with the party.
Adebayo also praised the judiciary for resolving the dispute and providing a legal position that would guide the electoral body.
Reacting to the judgment, SDP National Chairman, Prof. Abubakar Sadiq Gombe, welcomed the decision and praised the judiciary for bringing the case to a conclusion.
Gombe called on INEC to respect the internal decisions of registered political parties, especially matters involving the choice and nomination of candidates for elections.
He also praised Adebayo and members of the party’s legal team for their work throughout the court proceedings.
Gombe said the judiciary had played an important role in resolving the dispute and supporting the democratic process.
He further thanked members of the media for following the case and informing Nigerians about developments surrounding the party’s leadership crisis.
The SDP chairman urged journalists to continue educating voters and the wider public as the country prepares for the 2027 general elections, stressing the need for credible and transparent electoral processes.
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