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by Marilyn Omoloju
The Social Democratic Party (SDP) has reaffirmed that Dr. Sadiq Umar Abubakar Gombe remains its National Chairman, dismissing claims and interpretations by former party chairman, Alhaji Shehu Musa Gabam, as false and misleading.
In a statement issued by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Araba Rufus Aiyenigba, the SDP accused Gabam of deliberately distorting recent judgments of the Court of Appeal relating to the party’s Ekiti State governorship primary election held on August 8, 2025.
The party said a careful review of the appellate court’s rulings showed that none of the judgments addressed or altered the leadership structure of the SDP.
According to the statement, no court has removed Gombe from office, adding that his position as National Chairman remains valid and was duly affirmed by the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC).
The SDP further clarified that there are currently no court cases concerning its leadership, noting that all ongoing legal matters relate strictly to disputes arising from party primaries in Ekiti and Osun States.
It specifically referenced Suit No. CA/ABJ/CV/126/2026, filed by an aggrieved Ekiti governorship aspirant, Babatunde Tosin Fayemi, and decided by Justice Eberechi Suzzette Nyesom-Wike on March 27, 2026. The party emphasized that the case was solely about the Ekiti primary election and had no connection with the party’s leadership.
The statement also noted that Gabam was neither a party to the suit nor mentioned in the court’s judgment, adding that his attempt to join the case was dismissed.
According to the SDP, the Court of Appeal reaffirmed that courts lack jurisdiction over internal leadership matters of political parties, describing such issues as internal affairs.
The party maintained that Gabam is no longer a member of the SDP, having been suspended on June 24, 2025, over allegations of gross financial misappropriation and malfeasance. Following an investigation by a panel of enquiry, he was expelled on October 23, 2025, with the decision ratified by the NEC on March 9, 2026, in a meeting monitored by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
The SDP added that it would not engage further with Gabam, stating that he is currently facing criminal proceedings related to alleged financial misconduct and abuse of office.
Reiterating its position, the party said Gombe continues to function as National Chairman and that its leadership remains intact and stable.
The National Working Committee (NWC) also assured members, stakeholders, and the general public that the party remains focused and undistracted.
It noted that the party is currently strengthening its internal structures, expanding its membership base through ongoing electronic registration, and collaborating with various political and socio-cultural groups across the country.
The SDP said it is positioning itself as a credible platform ahead of the 2027 general elections, with the aim of producing candidates capable of driving national transformation.
The party reaffirmed its commitment to promoting social justice, democratic consolidation, and national development, adding that it remains focused on improving the welfare of Nigerians.
