By EDITH NWAPI

The Court of Appeal in Abuja on Wednesday set aside the judgment of the Federal High Court recognising the Alhaji Shehu Gabam as National Chairman of the Social Democratic Party (SDP).

A three-member panel of the appellate court, comprising Justices Fadawu Umaru, M.S. Hassan and L.A. Ganiyu, delivered a unanimous judgment.

In the lead judgment, Justice Umaru declared the judgment of Justice M.G. Umar of the federal high court in Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/402/2026 as null and void.

The judgment followed an appeal by the SDP leadership under Prof. Abubakar Gombe against the Federal High Court decision recognising Gabam as the party’s National Chairman.

The appellate court held that the basis of the Federal High Court judgment was faulty.

The court noted that the Supreme Court had earlier ruled on the matter in favour of Gombe’s leadership.

Speaking after the judgment, SDP presidential candidate and counsel to the appellants, Chief Adewole Adebayo, said that the appellate court unanimously ruled in favour of the party in all six applications considered.

Adebayo said the court declared the Federal High Court judgment recognising Gabam null and void because it contradicted an earlier Supreme Court decision delivered on May 22, 2026.

He said the appellate court also affirmed the nomination of Dr Francis Ajala as the SDP governorship candidate for Osun.

Adebayo said the judgment marked the conclusion of the prolonged legal dispute over the leadership of the party.

He commended the judiciary for resolving the dispute and providing clarity to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

“The judiciary has done very well for Nigeria and has guided INEC very well,” he said.

Adebayo expressed confidence that the judgment had brought an end to the leadership dispute within the SDP.

Also speaking, SDP National Chairman, Prof. Gombe, commended the judiciary for the speedy resolution of the case.

Gombe urged INEC to respect the internal affairs of all registered political parties, particularly their decisions on candidate selection.

He also commended Adebayo for leading the party’s legal team and thanked the judiciary for what he described as its role in strengthening democracy.

Gombe said the party appreciated the media for its coverage and support during the prolonged dispute.

He urged journalists to continue enlightening the public toward ensuring free, fair and credible 2027 general elections. (NAN)

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