Court of Appeal Nullifies Shehu Gabam's SDP Chair Recognition

• The Court of Appeal nullified Shehu Gabam's recognition as SDP chairman.
• The appellate court cited an earlier Supreme Court ruling that favoured Prof Abubakar Gombe's leadership.
• The decision has significant implications for internal party processes and candidate selection within the SDP.

This development marks a significant turn in the prolonged legal dispute over the SDP leadership, with implications for internal party processes and candidate selection.

In a unanimous decision delivered on Wednesday, the Court of Appeal in Abuja set aside the judgment of the Federal High Court recognising expelled Shehu Gabam as national chairman of the Social Democratic Party. The appellate court held that the basis of the Federal High Court judgment was faulty, citing an earlier Supreme Court ruling that favoured Prof Abubakar Gombe's leadership. This development marks a significant turn in the prolonged legal dispute over the SDP leadership, with implications for internal party processes and candidate selection.

The Court of Appeal's decision is rooted in the Supreme Court's earlier ruling on May 22, 2026, which had a bearing on the Federal High Court judgment recognising Gabam as SDP chairman. The appellate court noted that the Federal High Court erred by entertaining a suit challenging Dr Francis Ajala's nomination as the SDP governorship candidate for Osun State. This decision underscores the importance of adhering to established precedents and regulatory frameworks in resolving disputes within political parties.

The Court of Appeal's nullification of Gabam's recognition as SDP chairman has significant implications for internal party processes and candidate selection. Lawyers advising the SDP or its members should review this judgment to understand its impact on their internal party procedures, particularly in light of the Supreme Court's earlier ruling. The decision also highlights the importance of respecting established precedents and regulatory frameworks in resolving disputes within political parties.

Lawyers advising SDP or its members should review the implications of this judgment on their internal party processes and candidate selection, particularly in light of the Supreme Court's earlier ruling.

Source: Original reporting via The Punch