The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has officially recognised Professor Sadiq Abubakar Gombe as the National Chairman of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), following the Supreme Court’s ruling on the party’s leadership dispute.
The development marks a major turning point in the prolonged internal crisis within the SDP, which had sparked legal battles and divisions within the party’s leadership structure.
With the latest update on INEC’s records, Professor Gombe has now formally taken over as chairman, replacing Shehu Musa Gabam, whose position had remained a subject of legal contention for months.
Gabam, who was earlier restored to INEC’s records after a Court of Appeal judgment, has now been removed following the apex court’s final decision.
Politics Nigeria gathered that INEC also removed the names of several other expelled party officials from its records on Wednesday, in what party members described as a clear compliance with the Supreme Court verdict.
The SDP has welcomed the commission’s action, describing it as a victory for justice, constitutional order, and internal party democracy.
In a statement issued by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Araba Rufus Aiyenigba, the SDP said the resolution of the leadership dispute has restored peace and strengthened the party ahead of preparations for the 2027 general elections.
According to the party, the crisis had created uncertainty within its ranks, but the latest development has now brought stability and renewed confidence among members nationwide.
The statement read in part: **“Having finally overcome and laid to rest the externally induced leadership crisis, the party now stands on a strong pedestal of sustainable stability and is well positioned for the 2027 general elections with its presidential candidate, Prince Adewole Adebayo.**
**“The decision of INEC to respect the rule of law and judicial authorities, particularly in this instance, is widely commended by Nigerians, especially members of the SDP nationwide.”**
The party maintained that the Supreme Court ruling has reaffirmed a critical principle in Nigeria’s democratic system — that political parties have the constitutional authority to manage their internal affairs, including leadership appointments and disciplinary decisions.
According to SDP officials, the judgment reinforces the position that neither INEC nor the courts should interfere in matters strictly related to party administration beyond what is permitted by law.
The party further urged INEC to continue operating independently and maintain fairness in its dealings with all political parties.
“It is our expectation that INEC will use this moment to turn a new leaf and work cooperatively and respectfully not only with the SDP but with all political parties, in a manner that demonstrates that the word ‘Independent’ in INEC is not merely symbolic,” the statement added.
The SDP also assured its members and supporters that the leadership under Professor Gombe remains focused on strengthening the party and expanding its political influence ahead of future elections.