The Social Democratic Party (SDP) has firmly restated that Sadiq Umar Abubakar Gombe remains its duly recognised National Chairman, rejecting claims by former chairman, Shehu Musa Gabam, as misleading and without legal basis.
In a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Araba Rufus Aiyenigba, the party clarified that recent rulings of the Court of Appeal have no bearing on its leadership, describing contrary interpretations as a calculated misrepresentation.
According to the SDP, the appellate court judgments were strictly limited to disputes arising from governorship primary elections in Ekiti State and did not address, directly or indirectly, the party’s national leadership structure.
The party accused Gabam of attempting to twist the rulings to suggest a leadership change, stressing that no court has issued any order removing Gombe as chairman.
It further noted that Gabam was neither a litigant nor referenced in the cases, which it said were confined to electoral grievances in Ekiti and Osun States.
Reinforcing its position, the SDP maintained that internal leadership matters remain the exclusive preserve of political parties and are not subject to judicial interference.
The party also revisited Gabam’s status, stating that he was suspended in June 2025 over allegations of financial misconduct and subsequently expelled in October 2025. The expulsion, it added, was formally ratified by its National Executive Committee (NEC) on March 9, 2026, at a session monitored by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
Describing him as “no longer a member,” the SDP said it would refrain from further public exchanges with Gabam, particularly in light of reported criminal proceedings linked to financial impropriety.
The party urged the public and its supporters to disregard what it termed deliberate misinformation, assuring that its leadership remains stable and focused.
It added that efforts are ongoing to consolidate its structures nationwide and mobilise support ahead of the 2027 general elections, positioning itself as a credible platform for national renewal, social justice and democratic governance.
SDP Stands Firm on Gombe, Dismisses Gabam’s Claims as Distortion
