The Supreme Court has brought an end to Shehu Gabam’s legal challenge over the leadership of the Social Democratic Party, dismissing his appeal and leaving the Prof. Abubakar Sadiq Gombe-led leadership to steer the party towards the 2027 elections.
A five-member panel led by Justice Adamu Jauro dismissed the appeal on Wednesday, holding that the matter no longer presented a live issue for determination.
The dispute had moved from the Federal High Court to the Court of Appeal and finally to the Supreme Court.
Reacting to the ruling, Gombe described it as a victory for the SDP, democracy and the rule of law.
He said the party’s long legal battle was not only about leadership but also about upholding democratic principles and the rule of law.
SDP presidential candidate, Prince Adewole Adebayo, who is also counsel to the party in the case, said the Supreme Court ruling had effectively ended Gabam’s leadership challenge.
“The Supreme Court said that there is no life in the case and dismissed the case. That is the end of Shehu Gabam,” Adebayo said.
He said the case originated from an action by another party member seeking recognition of Gabam’s leadership.
Adebayo said Gabam had already been removed from the party, while the SDP had successfully challenged the Federal High Court judgment at the Court of Appeal.
The Court of Appeal had in August set aside the Federal High Court judgment in Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/402/2026, which had recognised Gabam’s position as national chairman.
With the Supreme Court now dismissing the appeal, the Gombe-led leadership remains in control of the party.
Adebayo, however, said the SDP still has other matters before the Supreme Court involving the Independent National Electoral Commission and its 2027 electoral timetable.
He said the party’s challenge was not aimed at preventing it from participating in the election but at seeking clarification on the extent of INEC’s powers to set or alter electoral deadlines.
According to him, the party wants the court to determine whether INEC can restrict the time available to political parties for nominations and substitution of candidates.
The latest ruling now clears the way for the Gombe-led SDP structure to shift its attention from the leadership dispute to preparations for the 2027 general elections.
