The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has officially recognised Prof. Sadiq Gombe as the National Chairman of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), replacing former chairman Shehu Gabam on its official records. The development follows a recent Supreme Court judgment that altered the legal basis for the party’s leadership dispute.
According to the SDP, INEC updated its portal in compliance with the Supreme Court ruling, uploading Gombe’s name as the party’s national chairman and removing Gabam, who had previously been recognised based on an earlier Court of Appeal judgment.
The party’s National Publicity Secretary, Rufus Aiyenigba, said the commission’s action reflects respect for the autonomy of political parties to manage their internal affairs, including leadership selection and disciplinary measures, in line with the Constitution and the Electoral Act.
The SDP has been embroiled in a prolonged leadership crisis, with rival factions backing Gombe and Gabam. While INEC recognised the Gabam-led leadership in April following a Court of Appeal ruling, the Supreme Court later set aside that judgment, paving the way for the commission’s latest decision.
Party leaders loyal to Gombe welcomed the move, describing it as a victory for internal party democracy and a resolution of the leadership tussle ahead of preparations for the 2027 general elections
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