Supreme Court Nullifies Gabam-Led SDP Leadership, Goke Omigbodun Hails Party’s Resilience
Osogbo, Osun State – May 22, 2026: The Supreme Court of Nigeria on Friday set aside an appellate court ruling that had recognized Shehu Gabam as the National Chairman of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), resolving a protracted leadership crisis within the party.
In a statement made available to Starnigerianews.com, Osun SDP chieftain and 2022 governorship candidate, Arc. Goke Omigbodun, congratulated SDP members across Nigeria, attributing the Supreme Court’s judgment to the resilience and determination of the party’s leadership under Prof. Sadiq Gombe to prevent the party from being hijacked by impostors.
The dispute arose from a long-running leadership tussle within the SDP, particularly surrounding the conduct and recognition of party primaries, including the contentious Ekiti State governorship primary election.
The Supreme Court, in suit SC/CV/229/2026, unanimously nullified the Court of Appeal judgment that had formed the basis for the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) recognition of Gabam as the party’s authentic leader. The apex court’s decision effectively overturned the appellate ruling and restored clarity to the party’s leadership structure.
According to the appellate court’s earlier judgment, while certain claims succeeded in part, it had affirmed that Babatunde was not an aspirant in the disputed primary. Portions of a Federal High Court judgment recognizing Dr. Sadiq Gombe as SDP’s authentic chairman, along with validation of the November 8, 2025 governorship primary, were set aside. However, the appellate court relied on INEC’s monitoring report indicating that the primary was properly conducted and produced a winner, Mr. Bankole Oludele.
Following the appellate ruling, INEC had updated its official website to list Gabam as National Chairman, Olu Agunloye as National Secretary, Hajia Maggie Mariam as National Treasurer, and Aderemi Abimbola as National Legal Adviser, with a “By Court Order” notation across several executive positions.
Arc. Omigbodun commended SDP members for their patience and solidarity, asserting that the apex court’s decision reflects the party’s commitment to internal democracy and lawful conduct.