Nigeria Supreme Court Dismisses SDP Leadership Appeal

The Supreme Court of Nigeria has dismissed an appeal in the leadership dispute within the Social Democratic Party (SDP), effectively ending the legal challenge brought by former National Chairman Shehu Gabam. The ruling, delivered on Wednesday, September 16, 2026, was based on the court's finding that there was no longer a live issue requiring determination. Prince Adewole Adebayo, counsel to the SDP and the party's recognized presidential candidate for the 2027 election, confirmed the outcome to journalists. "The Supreme Court said there is no live issue here, and dismissed the case," Adebayo stated. He added that the decision marks the conclusion of Gabam's claim to the party's leadership. The appeal originated from a Federal High Court judgment that had directed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to recognize Gabam within the party's leadership structure. The SDP faction led by Prof. Abubakar Sadiq Gombe challenged that ruling at the Court of Appeal. On August 12, 2026, a three-member appellate panel set aside the Federal High Court decision, holding that the lower court lacked jurisdiction over internal party leadership matters.