SDP Declares Victory: INEC Recognizes Party Leadership

The Social Democratic Party (SDP), under the leadership of Prof. Sadique Gombe, has announced that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has officially recognized its authentic leadership by updating its website. This recognition, according to the party, restores its autonomy, aligning with a definitive Supreme Court ruling on the long-standing leadership dispute.

The crisis within the SDP originated when its National Executive Committee expelled Shehu Musa Gabam from his position as national chairman due to allegations of misconduct and financial impropriety, subsequently appointing Prof. Gombe to take the helm. Gabam contested this action in court and initially secured an interim order from the Court of Appeal, which temporarily reinstated him. INEC had previously relied on this interim order to restore Gabam's name on its official portal.

However, the Gombe-led National Working Committee rejected INEC's initial move and escalated the matter to the Supreme Court. In a landmark final judgment, the apex court unequivocally upheld the principle of party autonomy. The court affirmed that political parties possess the inherent right to discipline their members and select their leaders in accordance with their established constitutions. Crucially, the Supreme Court declared that neither INEC nor any court has the authority to impose leadership on a political party, thereby decisively concluding the dispute in favor of the Prof. Gombe-led faction.

Following this Supreme Court judgment, INEC acted promptly by removing Gabam’s name, along with those of other expelled members, from its portal on Wednesday, June 17, 2026. This action by the commission effectively marked the end of several months of an externally influenced leadership crisis, bringing much-needed clarity and stability to the party's authentic leadership structure.

Reacting to these developments, Araba Rufus Aiyenigba, the SDP’s National Publicity Secretary, stated that this resolution positions the party on a strong foundation of sustainable stability as it looks ahead to the 2027 general elections. He emphasized that this clarity allows the party to confidently present its presidential candidate, Prince Adewole Adebayo, to the Nigerian populace as a leader capable of guiding the country through its current challenges.

Aiyenigba further noted that Nigerians, particularly SDP loyalists nationwide, have widely commended INEC's decision to uphold the rule of law and respect judicial authorities, describing it as a significant victory for constitutionalism and internal democracy within political parties. He underscored that INEC’s new stance acknowledges the party’s inherent right to choose its leadership and manage its internal affairs strictly according to its constitution, the 1999 Constitution, and the Electoral Act 2026. This, he reiterated, is consistent with the Supreme Court’s definitive position that neither courts nor INEC can interfere in the internal workings of political parties. Aiyenigba urged INEC to maintain this new, cooperative, and respectful approach with all political parties. He affirmed that the SDP remains committed to working alongside all Nigerians and democratic institutions to deepen democracy and provide a viable platform for citizens seeking solutions to poverty and insecurity. He concluded by relaying assurances from National Chairman Prof. Gombe and the NWC that the party will continue to champion Nigeria’s true interests and strive for democratic consolidation.