The Independent National Electoral Commission has formally recognised a factional leadership of the Social Democratic Party, triggering a fresh crisis within the party.
The development followed INEC’s updated listing on its official website, where Shehu Gabam was named National Chairman, sparking immediate rejection from the party’s existing leadership.
INEC confirmed the update on Sunday through its Chief Press Secretary, Adedayo Oketola, and Director of Voter Education and Publicity, Victoria Etta-Messi.
On the commission’s portal, Gabam was listed as National Chairman, while Olu Agunloye was named National Secretary.
Other members listed include National Treasurer Hajia Maggie Mariam and National Legal Adviser Aderemi Abimbola, with the notation “By Court Order” prominently displayed.
Court ruling behind decision
The recognition follows a judgment delivered on 27 March 2026 by the Court of Appeal, Abuja Division, which affirmed Mr Gabam as the authentic national chairman.
The ruling, delivered by a three-member panel in appeal number CA/ABJ/CV/126/2026 filed by Fayemi Babatunde, partly overturned an earlier Federal High Court decision.
The appellate court held that the lower court lacked jurisdiction to determine the party’s leadership dispute and nullified its earlier recognition of Sadiq Gombe as chairman.
SDP rejects move
However, the SDP leadership rejected INEC’s action, describing it as unconstitutional interference in its internal affairs.
The party’s National Publicity Secretary, Rufus Aiyenigba, criticised the commission’s decision.
“We see it as a contempt of the Supreme Court by INEC. That is unconstitutional, illegal and unnecessary interference in the affairs of the party,” Mr Aiyenigba said.
He added that no valid court order had been served on the party.
“Most importantly, there is no court order that emanated from anywhere. It is fictitious because no paper was served on us. We are challenging them to produce the order,” he stated.
Allegations of foul play
Mr Aiyenigba alleged that the development was the result of a “back-door deal,” insisting that Mr Gabam was no longer a member of the party and could not legally assume leadership.
“The funny thing here is that the name of our validly elected chairman… was substituted with that of an expelled member of the party,” he said.
He further argued that the imposed leadership structure was impractical.
“The man they are trying to bring cannot operate as a sole administrator… in the face of the law, Gabam is no longer a member of the SDP,” Mr Aiyenigba added.
Legal background
The dispute originated from challenges to the legitimacy of the party’s leadership and the conduct of its governorship primary.
While the Federal High Court in Abuja, presided over by Emeka Nwite, had earlier upheld Mr Gombe’s leadership on 19 January 2026, the appellate court later set aside that decision on jurisdictional grounds.
Despite nullifying parts of the earlier ruling, the Court of Appeal upheld evidence that the disputed primary election was conducted with valid delegates and produced a candidate, Bankole Oludele.
The latest development has deepened divisions within the SDP, with both factions asserting legitimacy and accusing each other of undermining party structures.
Observers say the dispute could affect the party’s readiness for upcoming elections if not swiftly resolved.
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