The Court of Appeal in Abuja has nullified the judgment of the Federal High Court which recognised Shehu Gabam as the national chairman of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), handing a major legal victory to the faction led by Prof. Abubakar Gombe.
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 set aside the decision of Justice M.G. Umar of the Federal High Court in Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/402/2026, declaring it null and void.
The judgment followed an appeal filed by the SDP leadership under Gombe against the Federal High Court ruling which had recognised Gabam as the party’s national chairman.
The Court of Appeal held that the foundation upon which the lower court reached its decision was faulty, noting that the Supreme Court had previously ruled in favour of the Gombe-led leadership.
Speaking after the judgment, SDP presidential candidate and counsel to the appellants, 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 also disclosed that the appellate court affirmed the nomination of Dr Francis Ajala as the SDP’s governorship candidate for the Osun State election, holding that the Federal High Court erred in entertaining the suit challenging his nomination.
According to Adebayo, the latest ruling effectively brings to an end the prolonged legal battle over the leadership of the SDP.
He commended the judiciary for resolving the dispute and providing clarity for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
“The judiciary has done very well for Nigeria and has guided INEC very well,” he said.
Adebayo expressed confidence that the judgment had finally settled the leadership crisis that had divided the party.
Also speaking, SDP National Chairman, Prof. Abubakar 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 relating to the nomination and selection of candidates.
He also praised Adebayo for leading the party’s legal team and commended the judiciary for its contribution to strengthening Nigeria’s democracy.
Gombe thanked the media for its coverage of the prolonged dispute and urged journalists to continue educating Nigerians on the importance of peaceful participation in the electoral process.
He called for sustained public enlightenment ahead of the 2027 general elections, urging the media to contribute to efforts to ensure free, fair and credible polls.
