By Isaac Mission

The Social Democratic Party (SDP) has received a major legal boost after the Court of Appeal in Abuja overturned a Federal High Court judgment that had recognised Shehu Gabam as the party’s national chairman.

The three-member appellate panel delivered a unanimous decision on Wednesday, August 12, 2026, effectively removing the legal foundation of the rival leadership claim and reinforcing the position of the SDP leadership headed by Prof. Abubakar Sadiq Gombe.

The panel was made up of Justices Fadawu Umaru, Muslim Sule Hassan and Lateef Adebayo Ganiyu.

The dispute had generated a series of court cases, with the Federal High Court previously ruling in favour of Gabam in a judgment that directed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to recognise him as national chairman.

However, the Court of Appeal declared that judgment null and void. Reports on the ruling indicate that the appellate court found the lower court’s decision inconsistent with an earlier Supreme Court judgment delivered on May 22, 2026.

What the ruling means for the SDP

The latest judgment could provide the Gombe-led faction with greater certainty as the party moves ahead with its political activities.

SDP presidential candidate Prince Adewole Adebayo, who was involved in the legal battle, said the Court of Appeal ruled in favour of the party on six applications.

He also argued that the judgment had settled a prolonged dispute that had consumed considerable attention and resources within the opposition party.

Beyond the leadership question, the court also dealt with a dispute involving the SDP’s candidate for the 2026 Osun State governorship election.

Reports indicate that the appellate court affirmed Dr Francis Ajala as the party’s candidate and rejected the basis of the Federal High Court proceedings that had challenged the party’s nomination process.

SDP turns attention to INEC

Following the judgment, the party’s attention is now shifting towards the electoral implications of the ruling.

Adebayo said INEC had commenced steps relating to the party’s ballot materials, while accusing the electoral body of taking too long to resolve issues arising from the leadership dispute.

He called on the commission to respect decisions reached through the internal structures of registered political parties.

Prof. Gombe similarly urged INEC to maintain neutrality and avoid interfering in matters concerning the internal administration of political parties.

For the SDP, the immediate priority is now to consolidate its position ahead of the Osun election while beginning preparations for the 2027 general elections.

A new chapter after months of litigation

The Court of Appeal decision represents another significant turn in the SDP’s long-running leadership dispute.

With the Federal High Court judgment recognising Gabam now set aside, the Gombe-led leadership has described the ruling as an opportunity for the party to put the legal battle behind it and concentrate on its political programme.

The development also comes at a politically important period, with parties already positioning themselves for the 2027 general elections.

Whether Wednesday’s judgment will finally end the SDP’s internal dispute remains to be seen, but for the moment, the ruling has handed the Gombe-led leadership a significant legal advantage.

Source: Court of Appeal ruling and reports from Nigerian news outlets.