ENUGU, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)- The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has recognised Prof. Sadiq Gombe as the National Chairman of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), effectively replacing the expelled former chairman, Shehu Gabam.
The announcement was disclosed on Wednesday in Abuja by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Rufus Aiyenigba, who said the electoral commission had updated its records in compliance with a Supreme Court judgment.
An independent check on INEC’s portal also confirmed that Gombe’s name had reappeared as the current national chairman of the SDP, marking a major shift in the party’s prolonged leadership crisis.
According to Aiyenigba, INEC removed the name of the former chairman and other expelled members from its official records on June 17, 2026.
“INEC on Wednesday bowed to the autonomy of the Social Democratic Party by implementing the ruling of the Supreme Court by uploading the name of Prof Sadiq Gombe to replace the expelled former national chairman, Shehu Gabam, who was previously recognised by the commission on account of an earlier Court of Appeal judgment,” the statement read.
He added that the development signalled stability for the party ahead of the 2027 general elections, expressing optimism that the SDP’s presidential candidate, Prince Adewole Adebayo, would benefit from the resolution of the internal crisis.
“Having finally overcome and laid to rest the externally induced leadership crisis, the party now stands on a strong pedestal of sustainable stability to be strongly positioned for the 2027 general elections, with its very popular Presidential Candidate, Prince Adewole Adebayo,” he said.
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Aiyenigba commended INEC for what he described as its adherence to the rule of law and respect for judicial pronouncements.
“The decision of INEC to respect the rule of law and judicial authorities. is widely commended by not a few Nigerians, especially within the ranks of the SDP faithful nationwide,” he added.
He further argued that INEC’s action aligned with the Supreme Court’s position on the autonomy of political parties, insisting that neither the courts nor INEC should interfere in internal party affairs.
“It is pertinent to note that this new stance of INEC to recognise and respect the autonomy of the SDP to choose its leadership and discipline and conduct its internal affairs solely in accordance with its constitution… is in line with the express guardian of the Supreme Court,” he stated.
The SDP also urged INEC to maintain neutrality and deepen cooperation with political parties to strengthen Nigeria’s democratic process.
The leadership crisis within the SDP had intensified in recent months following disputes over control of the party’s national structure, with rival factions laying claim to legitimacy.
While Shehu Gabam had previously enjoyed recognition based on a Court of Appeal judgment, the party maintained that a subsequent Supreme Court ruling ultimately affirmed its authority to determine its leadership in line with its constitution.
The latest development is expected to reshape the party’s internal structure as it positions for the 2027 general elections.