Court of Appeal sets aside judgment recognising Gabam as SDP chairman

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By Henry Umoru

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ABUJA — The Court of Appeal sitting in Abuja has set aside the judgment of the Federal High Court recognising Shehu Gabam as National Chairman of the Social Democratic Party (SDP).

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The appellate court delivered the unanimous judgment on Wednesday through a three-member panel comprising Justices Fadawu Umaru, M.S. Hassan and L.A. Ganiyu.

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In the lead judgment, Justice Umaru declared the judgment of Justice M.G. Umar in Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/402/2026 null and void.

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The judgment followed an appeal filed by the SDP leadership led by Prof. Abubakar Gombe against the Federal High Court decision recognising Gabam as the party’s National Chairman.

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The Court of Appeal held that the basis of the Federal High Court judgment was flawed, noting that the Supreme Court had earlier ruled on the matter in favour of the Gombe-led leadership.

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Speaking after the judgment, SDP presidential candidate and counsel to the appellants, Prince Adewole Adebayo, said the appellate court unanimously ruled in favour of the party in all six applications considered.

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Adebayo said the Court of Appeal declared the Federal High Court judgment recognising Gabam null and void because it was inconsistent with an earlier Supreme Court decision delivered on May 22, 2026.

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He added that the appellate court also affirmed the nomination of Dr Francis Ajala as the SDP governorship candidate for the Osun State election.

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According to him, the Federal High Court erred by entertaining the suit challenging Ajala’s nomination.

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Adebayo described the judgment as the conclusion of the prolonged legal dispute over the leadership of the party, commending the judiciary for resolving the matter and providing clarity to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

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“The judiciary has done very well for Nigeria and has guided INEC very well,” he said.

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Adebayo expressed confidence that the judgment had brought an end to the leadership dispute within the SDP.

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Also speaking, the SDP National Chairman, Prof. Abubakar Sadiq Gombe, commended the judiciary for the speedy resolution of the case.

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Gombe urged INEC to respect the internal affairs of registered political parties, particularly decisions relating to candidate selection.

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He also commended Adebayo for leading the party’s legal team and thanked the judiciary for what he described as its contribution to strengthening democracy.

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Gombe appreciated the media for its coverage of the prolonged dispute and urged journalists to continue to enlighten the public towards ensuring free, fair and credible 2027 general elections.

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