The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has finally recognised Dr. Sadiq Umar Gombe as the National Chairman of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), bringing to an end months of legal and political tussle over the party’s leadership.
INEC effected the change late on Friday, January 30, 2026, when it removed the name of former chairman, Shehu Musa Gabam, from its official website and portal, replacing it with that of Dr. Gombe at about 9:45pm.
The development followed a Supreme Court ruling that barred the electoral umpire from interfering in the internal affairs of political parties, including leadership changes carried out through their recognised organs.
INEC had earlier sued the SDP over its decision to sack Gabam and appoint Gombe, questioning the process and alleging non-compliance with guidelines on party leadership changes. However, the SDP maintained that Gabam was removed by its National Executive Committee (NEC) over alleged misappropriation of party resources, a claim the former chairman denied.
The apex court’s intervention forced INEC to withdraw from the dispute and comply with the judgment, paving the way for the eventual recognition of the new leadership.
Reacting to the development, former Minister of Aviation and SDP chieftain, Chief Olu Agunloye, described the move as a major victory for justice and internal party democracy.
“Degabamnisation of SDP soars. We crossed a major landmark as INEC removed Shehu Gabam’s name from the INEC website and portal and replaced it with Dr. Sadiq Umar Abubakar as the National Chairman of SDP,” Agunloye said in a statement dated January 30, 2026.
He expressed gratitude to party members and supporters who stood by the leadership during the legal battle, noting that the outcome reaffirmed the supremacy of the rule of law.
Political observers say the recognition not only settles the SDP leadership crisis but also reinforces judicial limits on INEC’s oversight powers, particularly in matters relating to internal party administration.
With INEC’s update now reflecting Dr. Gombe as national chairman, the SDP appears set to move forward after a turbulent period marked by court actions, internal realignments and public disputes.
