Court of Appeal overturns FHC judgment recognising Gabam as SDP chairman

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

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.

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.

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

The Court of Appeal held that the basis of the Federal High Court judgment was faulty, noting that the Supreme Court had earlier ruled on the matter in favour of Prof. Gombe’s leadership.

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

According to him, it is noteworthy that the Appeal Court declared the Federal High Court judgment recognising Gabam null and void because it contradicted an earlier Supreme Court decision delivered on May 22, 2026.

Adebayo said the appellate court also affirmed the nomination of Dr Francis Ajala as the SDP governorship candidate for Osun State election.

He noted that the Federal High Court erred by entertaining the suit challenging Ajala’s nomination.

Adebayo said the judgment marked the conclusion of the prolonged legal dispute over the leadership of the party.

He also commended the judiciary for resolving the dispute and providing clarity to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

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

He expressed confidence that the judgment had brought an end to the leadership dispute within the SDP for the party to strengthen its activities for the coming off-cycle elections and the forthcoming 2027 general elections.

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

Gombe urged INEC to respect the internal affairs of all registered political parties, particularly their decisions on candidate selection and their chosen leadership.

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

Gombe said the party appreciated the media for its coverage and support during the prolonged dispute.

He urged journalists to continue enlightening the public toward ensuring free, fair and credible 2027 general elections.

He also assured of the party commitment to match action with its promise and policies, urging Nigerians to vote the party for 2027 presidency and other electable positions.