The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has complied with the ruling of the Supreme Court by uploading the name of Professor Sadiq Umar Abubakar Gombe as the duly recognised National Chairman of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), effectively removing the name of Shehu Musa Gabam — the expelled former national chairman who had been erroneously restored by the Commission.
INEC had previously justified the reinstatement of Gabam on the basis of an earlier judgment of the Court of Appeal. However, the Supreme Court’s ruling superseded that decision, and INEC has now acted accordingly. The Commission effected the change on Wednesday, June 17, 2026.
A statement issued by the National Publicity Secretary, Araba Rufus Aiyenigba, said INEC’s decision to align with the apex court’s directive has been widely welcomed across the country, particularly among members and supporters of the SDP.
“Legal and democratic observers have commended INEC for upholding the rule of law and respecting the finality of Supreme Court judgments in matters concerning the internal governance of political parties.
“This development is also significant in light of the Supreme Court’s clear position that neither the courts below nor INEC holds any authority to interfere in the internal affairs of political parties. The court affirmed that parties retain the sovereign right to determine their own leadership, discipline their members, and conduct their affairs in accordance with their constitutions, as moderated by the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the Electoral Act.
“The resolution of this externally induced leadership dispute marks a decisive turning point for the SDP. The party, which had faced sustained pressure arising from the contested leadership situation, now stands on stable and sustainable ground as it looks ahead to the 2027 general elections.
“With internal cohesion restored, the SDP is positioned to intensify its political engagement across the country, rallying behind its presidential candidate, Prince Adewole Adebayo — a figure widely regarded by Nigerians as possessing the capacity, competence, and vision necessary to steer Nigeria towards stability and development,” he said.
The SDP acknowledged this moment as an opportunity for INEC to redefine its relationship with political parties in Nigeria. It is the party’s expectation that the Commission will build on this precedent and engage cooperatively and respectfully with all registered political parties — in a manner that gives practical meaning to the word “independent” in its name.
A truly independent electoral commission must stand as an impartial arbiter, free from any real or perceived alignment with the interests of incumbency or any other political force, and committed solely to the faithful administration of Nigeria’s electoral laws and the promotion of democratic values.
The National Chairman, Prof. Sadiq Umar Abubakar Gombe, alongside the members of the National Working Committee (NWC), has assured party members nationwide, and the Nigerian public, that the SDP remains resolute in its commitment to the true interests of Nigeria and the deepening of democratic governance.
The party reiterated its readiness to partner with all Nigerians and democratic institutions to provide a credible political platform for citizens seeking an end to poverty and insecurity. Central to the SDP’s agenda is the implementation of Chapter 2 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria — the Fundamental Objectives and Directive Principles of State Policy — as enshrined in the party’s manifesto and championed by its presidential candidate.
The SDP called on all Nigerians who share this vision to join hands with the party as it works to offer Nigeria the leadership it deserves.
