SDP Urges INEC to Reject Shehu Gabam's Leadership Claim

The Social Democratic Party (SDP) has urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to reject a request from former acting chairman Shehu Musa Gabam to be reinstated as National Chairman. Gabam petitioned INEC on July 9, 2026, citing a June 24 Federal High Court judgment to reclaim party leadership.

The SDP argues the High Court ruling is invalid because it relies on a Court of Appeal decision that the Supreme Court of Nigeria nullified on May 22, 2026. The party contends that the High Court lacks jurisdiction to determine internal party leadership and asserts that the ruling contains no order mandating INEC to install Gabam or Ogbonna Okechukwu Onovo into leadership positions. Following the earlier Supreme Court ruling, INEC had restored Prof. Sodiq Gombe as National Chairman.

The party has formally appealed the June 24 judgment and called on INEC to maintain the status quo until the Court of Appeal reaches a final determination. Despite the legal dispute, the SDP stated it is moving forward with preparations for the 2027 general elections, having completed the nomination of Prince Adewole Adebayo for president and Dr. Usman Bugaje for vice-president.