Supreme Court Dismisses Gabam’s Appeal in SDP Leadership Tussle

The Supreme Court has dismissed an appeal filed by Shehu Gabam in the prolonged leadership dispute within the Social Democratic Party, effectively ending the latest legal challenge over control of the party.

A five-member panel of the apex court, led by Justice Adamu Jauro, delivered the judgment on Wednesday and held that the appeal no longer presented a live issue requiring determination.

Other members of the panel were Justices Haruna Tsammani, A.A. Adumein, Jonah Adah and Joseph Oyewole.

The dispute has passed through the Federal High Court, Court of Appeal and Supreme Court, with conflicting decisions previously issued concerning the leadership of the opposition party.

The latest appeal followed an earlier Federal High Court judgment that directed the Independent National Electoral Commission to recognise Gabam as the SDP National Chairman.

The leadership headed by Professor Abubakar Sadiq Gombe challenged the decision at the Court of Appeal. In August, the appellate court set aside the Federal High Court judgment, relying on the Supreme Court’s earlier decision concerning the party’s leadership dispute.

Gabam subsequently pursued the matter before the Supreme Court.

However, the apex court dismissed the appeal, effectively leaving Gombe’s leadership in place.

Speaking to journalists after the judgment, SDP presidential candidate and counsel to the party, Adewole Adebayo, said the ruling had brought the dispute to an end.

He said the court found that there was no longer a live issue before it and dismissed the appeal.

Adebayo also said Gabam had been removed from the party and had not challenged his removal, adding that the original case was instituted by another party member seeking recognition for Gabam.

Meanwhile, Gombe described the judgment as a victory for the SDP and democracy.

He said the party’s repeated appearances in court were part of its efforts to defend democratic principles and resolve disputes through legal processes.

The development comes as political parties prepare for the 2027 general elections, with the SDP seeking to consolidate its organisational structure ahead of the polls.

Adebayo disclosed that two other cases involving the SDP and INEC remain before the Supreme Court. He said those matters concern the electoral commission’s timetable for political parties, particularly periods provided for the nomination and substitution of candidates.

He said the party was seeking judicial clarification on INEC’s powers and its obligations under electoral law.

The latest judgment therefore settles the current litigation surrounding Gabam’s claim to the SDP leadership, while other legal matters involving the party remain pending before the apex court.