The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has formally recognized the leadership of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) under Shehu Musa Gabam, marking a significant turning point in the party’s prolonged internal crisis.
The electoral body confirmed the development by updating its official website to reflect the Gabam-led National Working Committee (NWC) as the authentic leadership of the party. The updated list of party executives was published with the inscription “By Court Order,” indicating that the decision was based on judicial pronouncements.
According to the updated records, Gabam is listed as the National Chairman, while Dr. Olu Agunloye appears as National Secretary. Other members of the NWC include Hajia Maggie Mariam as National Treasurer and Aderemi Abimbola as National Legal Adviser.
INEC’s recognition follows a ruling by the Court of Appeal in Abuja, which affirmed Gabam as the legitimate leader of the SDP after months of factional disputes within the party.
The appellate court, in a unanimous judgment delivered on March 27, 2026, partially overturned an earlier decision of the Federal High Court that had recognized a rival leadership led by Sadiq Gombe. The court held that the lower court lacked jurisdiction to determine party leadership, rendering its earlier pronouncement invalid.
The case originated from a legal challenge filed by a party member, Fayemi Babatunde, who questioned the legitimacy of the leadership that conducted the Ekiti State governorship primary. He argued that the leadership structure at the time was improperly constituted and lacked legal authority.
While the Court of Appeal nullified aspects of the Federal High Court’s judgment, it upheld findings that the appellant was not qualified to contest in the disputed primary. The court further relied on INEC’s monitoring report, which confirmed that the primary election was conducted with valid delegates and produced a winner.
The recognition of the Gabam-led leadership effectively settles, at least for now, the leadership dispute that has plagued the SDP. By aligning its records with the appellate court ruling, INEC has provided official legitimacy and administrative backing to the current leadership structure.
This development is expected to:
- Strengthen the party’s internal cohesion
- Clarify leadership authority for political activities
- Provide a clearer platform for future electoral participation
