The Social Democratic Party (SDP) has reaffirmed that Sadiq Umar Abubakar Gombe remains its legitimate National Chairman, dismissing what it described as false claims and misrepresentation of court rulings by expelled former chairman, Shehu Musa Gabam.

In a press statement issued by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Araba Rufus Aiyenigba, the SDP insisted that recent judgments of the Court of Appeal were strictly related to governorship primary elections in Ekiti State and not the party’s leadership structure.

According to the party, Gabam’s attempt to portray the court rulings as affecting leadership was “a deliberate distortion of facts,” stressing that no court has removed Gombe as chairman.

The SDP further clarified that Gabam was not a party to the suit in question and was never mentioned in the judgment, which the party said dealt solely with grievances arising from primary elections in Ekiti and Osun States.

The statement emphasized that internal party leadership matters remain the exclusive jurisdiction of political parties and cannot be determined by courts.

Reiterating its position, the party noted that Gabam had been suspended in June 2025, investigated for alleged financial misappropriation, and subsequently expelled in October 2025, with the decision ratified by the party’s National Executive Committee on March 9, 2026.

The SDP also stated that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) monitored the NEC meeting where the ratification took place.

Describing Gabam as “an expelled member,” the party said it would not engage further in disputes with him, especially as he is reportedly facing criminal proceedings related to financial misconduct.

The party urged the public to disregard what it called misinformation, assuring members and stakeholders that its leadership remains stable and focused.

The SDP added that preparations are ongoing to strengthen party structures and mobilize support ahead of the 2027 general elections, while positioning itself as a credible political alternative committed to national development, social justice, and democratic governance.