The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has officially complied with the Supreme Court judgment on the leadership dispute within the Social Democratic Party (SDP), restoring Prof. Sadid Umar Abubakar Gombe as the duly recognised National Chairman of the party.

The Commission, on Wednesday, June 17, 2026, removed the name of the former chairman, Shehu Musa Gabam, and other previously listed officials from its records, effectively aligning with the apex court’s pronouncement on the party’s internal leadership crisis.

The development brings to a close months of controversy over the control of the party’s national structure, which had previously seen conflicting interpretations of court rulings and administrative recognition by INEC.

With the latest update, the electoral body has now uploaded Prof. Gombe as the authentic National Chairman, signalling full compliance with judicial authority and reaffirming the autonomy of political parties in managing their internal affairs.

Party officials described the decision as a turning point that finally stabilises the SDP after what they termed externally influenced disruptions to its leadership structure.

They argued that the resolution now places the party on a firmer institutional footing ahead of preparations for the 2027 general elections, strengthening internal cohesion and organisational clarity.

In a statement issued by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Araba Rufus Aiyenigba, the SDP commended INEC for what it described as a necessary correction and an important affirmation of the rule of law.

The party also expressed confidence that the development would enable it to focus on its political agenda and national outreach, particularly around its presidential candidate, Prince Adewole Adebayo, whom it described as a credible alternative for national renewal.

The SDP maintained that its platform remains committed to addressing poverty, insecurity, and governance challenges through policies anchored on constitutional principles, especially Chapter 2 of the 1999 Constitution.

It further called on INEC to sustain a neutral stance in internal party matters and ensure consistent respect for judicial pronouncements in all future disputes involving political parties.

According to the party, the latest development represents not only a victory for internal democracy but also a broader reinforcement of Nigeria’s democratic and judicial institutions.

With the leadership question now settled, the SDP said it is repositioning to deepen its national structure, expand its political base, and prepare for what it described as a decisive electoral contest in 2027.