The dispute stems from a long-running leadership crisis within the SDP and legal battles surrounding the conduct and recognition of party primaries, particularly the Ekiti State governorship primary election.
The Supreme Court, in suit SC/CV/229/2026, on Friday, May 22, 2026, unanimously set aside a Court of Appeal judgment that had been relied upon by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to recognise Shehu Gabam as the National Chairman of the Social Democratic Party (SDP).
The apex court’s decision effectively nullified the appellate ruling which had earlier affirmed Gabam’s position as the authentic leader of the party.
The dispute stems from a long-running leadership crisis within the SDP and legal battles surrounding the conduct and recognition of party primaries, particularly the Ekiti State governorship primary election.
In a judgment delivered on March 27, 2026, a three-member panel of the Court of Appeal, Abuja Division, in appeal CA/ABJ/CV/126/2026, had partially overturned a Federal High Court decision that initially upheld the leadership of Dr. Sadiq Gombe-led National Working Committee (NWC).
