INEC Recognizes Shehu Gabam’s Leadership Amid SDP Turmoil
The Independent National Electoral Commission’s decision to formally recognize Shehu Gabam’s National Working Committee of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) has ignited fresh disputes within the party’s hierarchy. This announcement was confirmed through an update on INEC’s official website, following discussions with both the Chief Press Secretary to the INEC Chairman, Mr. Adedayo Oketola, and the Commission’s Director of Voter Education and Public Relations, Ms. Victoria Ettamessi.
Official Designation of Party Officials
On its website, INEC has prominently displayed the SDP’s name and logo, listing Mr. Gabam as the national chairman and Mr. Olu Agungloye as the national secretary. Other National Working Committee members identified online include Hajia McGee Mariam, the National Treasurer, and Aderemi Abimbola, the National Legal Adviser.
Court Judgment Influences Electoral Commission’s Decision
INEC’s assertion of authority is underscored by the phrase “by order of court” preceding the names of the executives. This development follows a judgment from the Abuja Divisional Court of Appeal, which ruled Mr. Gabam as the legitimate national party chairman. The unanimous decision, rendered on March 27, 2026, addressed an appeal filed by dissatisfied member Fayemi Babatunde.
Party’s Rejection of INEC’s Recognition
Despite INEC’s endorsement, the SDP has publicly dismissed this recognition, deeming it unconstitutional and an unwarranted intrusion into the party’s internal affairs. The party’s leadership condemned INEC’s actions, asserting that no valid court order had been served and warning against interference in party management.
Accusations of Constitutional Violations
In an exclusive interview with Punch, Rufus Ayeniigba, the national communications secretary for the SDP, criticized judicial officials for overstepping their constitutional boundaries. He alleged irregularities surrounding Gabam’s certification and labeled INEC’s actions as contemptible. “This is unconstitutional, illegal, and an unnecessary interference in party politics,” he asserted, demanding a formal court order.
Concerns Over Party Functionality
Ayeniigba expressed doubts about the practicality of Gabam’s leadership, arguing that the newly appointed officials cannot operate independently. He emphasized that Gabam is no longer a party member, insisting that INEC cannot impose its decisions upon the SDP, which, by law, governs its own internal affairs. “These maneuvers reflect ongoing shenanigans that compromise our national political integrity,” he remarked.
Legal Chaos Surrounds Electoral Processes
The appeal, marked CA/ABJ/CV/126/2026, questioned the legitimacy of the Ekiti State gubernatorial primary election conducted by a leadership deemed unauthorized. The appellant criticized the National Working Committee led by Professor Sadiku Gombe for allegedly violating party constitution and electoral laws. While the Federal High Court initially ruled in favor of Gombe, the appellate court later revoked that ruling, affirming that the lower court lacked jurisdiction to address the internal conflict and that its findings were invalid.
Ultimately, the appellate court acknowledged the validity of INEC’s monitoring report, affirming that the primary election was conducted with legitimate delegates, and confirmed Mr. Bankole Oudere as the winner. This series of events highlights the ongoing complexities within the SDP and the potential implications for its future.
