INEC names Gombe as new SDP chairman, removes Gabam

The Independent National Electoral Commission has named Prof. Sadiq Gombe as the National Chairman of the Social Democratic Party. He replaces the expelled former chairman, Shehu Gabam.

Rufus Aiyenigba, the National Publicity Secretary, shared this news in a statement on Wednesday in Abuja. He said the electoral commission updated its records to follow the Supreme Court's ruling.

An investigation by our reporter also confirmed that Gombe's name is now back on the commission's website as the current national chairman.

This change is a big step in the long-standing leadership issues that have troubled the opposition party in recent times.

In his statement, Aiyenigba noted that INEC removed Gabam's name and other expelled members from its records on June 17.

The statement said, "INEC on Wednesday respected the independence of the Social Democratic Party by carrying out the Supreme Court's ruling. They uploaded Prof. Sadiq Gombe's name to replace the expelled former national chairman, Shehu Gabam, who was recognized based on an earlier Court of Appeal decision."

Aiyenigba continued, "The party has now settled the leadership crisis caused by outside influences. We are ready for the 2027 general elections with our well-liked Presidential Candidate, Prince Adewole Adebayo. Nigerians see him as capable and ready to lead the country."

He praised INEC for what he called its choice to uphold the law and respect court decisions.

"Many Nigerians, especially those in the SDP, appreciate INEC's decision to follow the law and judicial rulings, especially in this case," he added.

The party spokesman also said that the commission's actions align with the Supreme Court's position on political party matters.

He stated, "This new approach by INEC to recognize and respect the SDP's right to choose its leadership and manage its internal matters according to its constitution is important. The Supreme Court has made it clear that neither the courts nor INEC can interfere in how political parties run their affairs."

The SDP expects INEC to use this chance to improve its relationship with all political parties. Aiyenigba mentioned that INEC should show that its name "Independent" means something real.

The SDP also promised to keep working with democratic bodies and Nigerians to make democracy stronger and tackle the country’s economic challenges.

The leadership conflict in the SDP got worse after disagreements between different groups over the party’s national structure.

While Gabam was still recognized due to an earlier Court of Appeal ruling, the party insisted that later legal decisions, including a Supreme Court judgment, confirmed its right to choose its leaders and manage its members according to its constitution.