The Supreme Court of Nigeria has delivered a landmark judgment, affirming the leadership of Professor Sadiq Gombe as the National Chairman of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) and setting aside previous rulings by the Court of Appeal regarding the party's Ekiti governorship primary election. This crucial decision effectively brings an end to a prolonged period of internal crisis within the party, reinforcing its internal democracy and the rule of law.

The apex court's ruling not only reinstates Professor Gombe to his position but also unequivocally validates the primary election that saw Ambassador Isaac Adebayo Alade emerge as the SDP's legitimate candidate for the June 2026 governorship election in Ekiti State. The judgment, delivered by Justice Mohammed Lawal Garba, upheld an earlier decision by the Federal High Court and dismissed the basis upon which the Court of Appeal had interfered in the party's internal affairs.

Speaking to journalists in Abuja following the verdict, Professor Gombe hailed the Supreme Court's decision as a significant victory for constitutional democracy, the principle of internal party discipline, and the overarching rule of law. He detailed that the lead suit, titled Mbabutende v. INEC & 4 Others, along with five other related appeals, were resolved on the grounds that the plaintiff lacked the legal standing, or 'locus standi', to initiate the matter. The court determined that the plaintiff had not participated as an aspirant in the primary election and, therefore, had no legitimate right to challenge its outcome.

Furthermore, Gombe elaborated that the Supreme Court explicitly ruled that the Court of Appeal had erred in its judgment when it invalidated the Ekiti governorship primary election that produced Ambassador Isaac Adebayo Alade. This reaffirms a fundamental principle that political parties are independent entities, fully empowered to manage their internal administrative processes, including the selection of leadership and electoral candidates, without undue external judicial interference.

The Supreme Court also critically faulted the appellate court for making pronouncements on the internal leadership structure of the SDP, emphasizing that such matters fall squarely within the constitutional powers and internal mechanisms of the political party itself. Professor Gombe also addressed the disciplinary actions taken against former National Chairman Alhaji Shehu Musa Gabam, asserting that these measures, which included suspension, investigation, a fair hearing, and eventual expulsion, were meticulously followed according to due process and were subsequently ratified by the National Executive Committee (NEC) of the party.

In light of the judgment, Professor Gombe issued a stern call to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), accusing the body of having acted on a court order that, according to the SDP, did not validly exist in the form presented to the public. He urged INEC to promptly and fully comply with the Supreme Court's definitive ruling.

Echoing Professor Gombe's sentiments, the National Secretary, Dr. Olu Agunloye, affirmed the legitimacy of the March 9 NEC meeting, during which the disciplinary actions were ratified, stating that it was properly convened and supported by extensive documentary evidence and certified records. Dr. Agunloye commended the judiciary for its courage and commitment to justice, expressing confidence that the ruling would significantly strengthen internal democracy within political parties, a crucial development ahead of the highly anticipated 2027 general elections.