The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has aligned itself with recent judicial pronouncements on the leadership dispute within the Social Democratic Party (Social Democratic Party (SDP)), effectively recognising the faction led by National Chairman Prof. Abubakar Sadiq Gombe.
The move is seen as a major setback for the rival camp led by former National Chairman Shehu Musa Gabam, whose claim to the party’s leadership has been at the centre of a prolonged internal crisis.
The development followed a high-level meeting in Abuja between INEC officials and leaders of the Gombe-led faction, during which the Commission reportedly acknowledged court decisions affirming the legitimacy of the current leadership structure and the supremacy of party constitutional processes.
According to party officials, the recognition marks a turning point in a dispute that has divided the SDP for months, triggering disciplinary actions, parallel conventions, and competing claims ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Speaking after the meeting, Prof. Gombe expressed confidence in the electoral umpire’s respect for judicial authority and internal party autonomy.
“The issue of party leadership is an exclusive reserve of the political party. The Supreme Court has severally ruled on this. It is the party itself that determines who leads it,” he said.
Gombe also disclosed that INEC officials indicated they had only recently received key court judgments and party documents necessary to fully address the matter.
He said discussions were cordial, adding that the Commission assured both sides of its commitment to due process.
The leadership dispute stems from disciplinary proceedings initiated by the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) against Gabam and other officials over alleged misconduct and constitutional violations.
Party leaders insist the process followed Article 123 of the SDP Constitution, including investigation, fair hearing, and committee review. They further claim Gabam failed to appear before the disciplinary panel despite repeated invitations.
The National Executive Committee (NEC) subsequently ratified his expulsion during its March 9, 2026 meeting, according to the faction.
However, Gabam rejected the decision and continued to assert his claim to the national chairmanship, deepening the party’s division.
The crisis escalated further when both factions held separate national conventions.
The Gombe-led group held its convention in Bauchi, where former presidential candidate Prince Adewole Adebayo emerged as the party’s 2027 presidential flag bearer. The faction insists the exercise complied fully with the Electoral Act and the party constitution.
The rival camp led by Gabam held a separate convention in Abuja, reinforcing the split and legal confrontation.
Court Battles and INEC’s Position
The dispute later moved to the courts, producing rulings that, according to the Gombe faction, reaffirmed the principle that internal party matters—especially leadership and disciplinary issues—are governed primarily by party constitutions.
Party National Secretary, Dr. Olu Agunloye, described the crisis as an attempted takeover by political interests seeking control ahead of the 2027 elections.
He said reforms introduced since 2018 had helped strengthen the party’s internal structures and resist external interference.
Political observers say INEC’s recognition of the court-backed leadership may finally bring clarity to the party after months of uncertainty.
The development is also being viewed as a reinforcement of judicial authority in resolving intra-party disputes and ensuring compliance by public institutions.
Despite the tension, Gombe signalled openness to reconciliation with aggrieved members willing to return under constitutional provisions.
With the leadership question now appearing settled, attention is expected to shift toward the SDP’s preparations for the 2027 general elections.
