Supreme Court Ruling Overrides Gabam’s Court Claims – SDP

By Peter Adewole

The Social Democratic Party, SDP, says the Federal High Court judgment being relied upon by its former National Chairman, Shehu Musa Gabam, cannot override an earlier Supreme Court ruling on the party’s leadership.

This is contained in a statement signed by the National Publicity Secretary, Araba Rufus Aiyenigba, in Abuja.

The statement urges the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to maintain the current leadership structure pending the outcome of appeals before the courts.

It says the judgment cited by Gabam has already been challenged at the Court of Appeal and does not direct INEC to recognise him as National Chairman.

According to the statement, the Supreme Court had already set aside the Court of Appeal judgment on which the Federal High Court relied, making any attempt to use it to alter the party’s leadership legally untenable.

The statement also maintains that courts do not have the power to decide who occupies leadership positions in political parties.

It further clarifies that the plaintiff in the suit was not the SDP governorship candidate in Osun State, insisting that Dr. Ajala remains the party’s recognised candidate.

The statement says it recently held a successful National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting and is focused on strengthening its internal structures ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The party adds that it has completed the nomination of its presidential candidate, Adewole Adebayo, and vice-presidential candidate, Usman Bugaje, while preparations are ongoing to submit the names of other candidates.

The statement stresses it has moved beyond the leadership dispute and remains committed to building a stronger party and providing Nigerians with a credible political alternative in 2027.