INEC Recognises Sadiq Gombe as SDP National Chairman, Drops Gabam

Abuja, Nigeria 🇳🇬 18 June, 2026

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has recognised Prof. Sadiq Umar Abubakar Gombe as the National Chairman of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), effectively removing the name of former chairman, Shehu Musa Gabam, from its official records.

The development follows recent judicial pronouncements on the protracted leadership crisis within the party, culminating in a Supreme Court judgment that nullified the legal basis upon which Gabam had earlier been recognised by the electoral commission.

Checks on INEC's records indicate that the commission has now aligned with the court decisions by reflecting Gombe as the recognised leader of the SDP, a move seen as a significant victory for the faction that has consistently maintained that Gabam was no longer a member of the party.

The leadership tussle has generated intense legal and political battles in recent months. In April, INEC had recognised Gabam as chairman following a Court of Appeal ruling and updated its website accordingly. However, the Supreme Court subsequently set aside the judgment that formed the basis of that recognition.

Party officials loyal to Gombe welcomed the latest development, describing it as a reaffirmation of the autonomy of political parties and the supremacy of lawful internal processes. They argued that Gabam's expulsion had been duly ratified by the party's National Executive Committee and monitored by INEC officials.

Political observers say the decision could bring temporary stability to the SDP ahead of preparations for the 2027 general elections, although the party may still face further legal and political challenges arising from the lingering leadership dispute.