Court Affirms Gabam as Lawful SDP National Chairman, Orders INEC to Recognise Party Leadership
Our correspondent report
The Federal High Court in Abuja has reaffirmed Alhaji Shehu Musa Gabam as the lawful National Chairman of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), strengthening his leadership of the party.
The certified true copy of the court order, which has begun circulating, contains directives compelling the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to accord recognition to the party's leadership under Gabam.
Among the key orders, the court directed INEC to recognise the 3rd and 4th Defendants as the National Chairman and Acting National Secretary of the SDP, respectively.
It also ordered the electoral body to publish and recognise the party's governorship candidate for the 2026 Osun State governorship election and include the candidate's name and the SDP logo on the ballot paper.
The court further restrained INEC from rejecting or refusing to recognise the party's nominated governorship candidate for the election.
The ruling is being celebrated by supporters of the party as a major legal victory, with many describing it as a confirmation of Gabam's legitimate leadership.
Reacting to the judgment, party loyalists declared that the decision had finally settled the leadership dispute, stating that "Gabam is the lawful National Chairman of our great party. We are back stronger."
The judgment is expected to strengthen the SDP's preparations for forthcoming elections, particularly the 2026 Osun State governorship poll and other future electoral contests.
