The Court of Appeal sitting in Abuja has overturned a Federal High Court judgment recognising Shehu Gabam as the National Chairman of the Social Democratic Party (SDP).
The appellate court, in a unanimous decision delivered on Wednesday by a three-member panel, declared the Federal High Court judgment null and void.
The panel comprised Justices Fadawu Umaru, M.S. Hassan and L.A. Ganiyu.
In the lead judgment, Justice Umaru set aside the decision of Justice M.G. Umar in Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/402/2026, which had recognised Gabam as the party’s National Chairman.
The judgment followed an appeal filed by the SDP leadership led by Prof. Abubakar Sadiq Gombe, challenging the Federal High Court’s decision.
The Court of Appeal held that the foundation upon which the lower court’s judgment was based was flawed, noting that the Supreme Court had previously ruled in favour of the Gombe-led faction.
Speaking after the judgment, SDP presidential candidate and counsel to the appellants, Prince Adewole Adebayo, said the appellate court ruled unanimously in favour of the party in all six applications before it.
Adebayo said the court nullified the Federal High Court judgment because it was inconsistent with an earlier Supreme Court decision delivered on May 22, 2026.
He added that the Court of Appeal also affirmed the nomination of Dr Francis Ajala as the SDP governorship candidate for the Osun State election.
According to him, the Federal High Court erred by entertaining the suit challenging Ajala’s nomination.
Adebayo described the judgment as bringing to an end the prolonged legal battle over the leadership of the SDP.
He 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 appellate court’s decision had finally settled the leadership crisis within the party.
Also speaking, the SDP National Chairman, Prof. Abubakar Sadiq Gombe, commended the judiciary for what he described as the speedy resolution of the dispute.
Gombe urged INEC to respect the internal affairs of registered political parties, particularly decisions concerning the selection and nomination of candidates.
He also commended Adebayo for leading the party’s legal team and thanked the judiciary for its role in strengthening Nigeria’s democracy.
Gombe further appreciated the media for its coverage of the prolonged dispute, urging journalists to continue educating the public on the need for free, fair and credible elections ahead of the 2027 general elections.
(The Whistler)