The Court of Appeal in Abuja has nullified the Federal High Court judgment recognising Shehu Gabam as National Chairman of the Social Democratic Party (SDP).
In a unanimous judgment delivered on Wednesday, a three-member panel comprising Justices Fadawu Umaru, M.S. Hassan and L.A. Ganiyu declared the judgment of Justice M.G. Umar in Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/402/2026 null and void.
The appellate court held that the Federal High Court erred by recognising Gabam despite an earlier Supreme Court judgment delivered on May 22, 2026, which had affirmed the leadership of the Prof. Abubakar Sadiq Gombe-led executive.
The appeal was filed by the Gombe-led SDP leadership, which argued that the lower court’s decision was inconsistent with the Supreme Court’s ruling.
The appellate court also affirmed the nomination of Dr. Francis Ajala as the SDP governorship candidate for the Osun State election.
Reacting to the judgment, the SDP’s presidential candidate and counsel to the appellants, Prince Adewole Adebayo, said the appellate court ruled in the party’s favour in all six applications before it.
He described the verdict as the final resolution of the leadership dispute, saying it provides much-needed clarity for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
Also speaking, SDP National Chairman, Prof. Abubakar Sadiq Gombe, commended the judiciary for the speedy determination of the case and urged INEC to respect the internal affairs of political parties, particularly on leadership and candidate nomination.
