The Social Democratic Party (SDP) has reaffirmed Dr. Sadiq Umar Abubakar Gombe as its legitimate National Chairman, dismissing claims by former chairman, Shehu Musa Gabam, as false and misleading.
In a press statement issued by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Araba Rufus Aiyenigba, the SDP leadership accused Gabam of deliberately distorting recent Court of Appeal judgments to misinform the public about the party’s leadership.
The party clarified that no court ruling has removed Gombe from office, stressing that his position remains valid as affirmed by the National Executive Committee (NEC).
According to the statement, the recent Court of Appeal judgment delivered on March 27, 2026, concerning the Ekiti State governorship primary election, did not address or determine any leadership dispute within the party. It emphasized that the case, filed by aggrieved aspirant Babatunde Tosin Fayemi, was strictly related to the conduct of the Ekiti primaries.
“The court made it clear that issues of party leadership are internal affairs and fall outside its jurisdiction,” the statement noted.
The SDP further stated that Gabam was neither a party to the suit nor mentioned in the court proceedings, adding that his attempt to join the case was dismissed.
Reiterating its position, the party maintained that Gabam is no longer a member of the SDP, having been expelled over allegations of financial misappropriation and abuse of office. His expulsion, the party said, followed due process and was ratified by the NEC on March 9, 2026, in a meeting monitored by officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
The party also disclosed that Gabam is currently facing criminal proceedings related to the alleged mismanagement of party funds.
“The SDP will not engage in disputes with an expelled member,” the statement added.
While assuring members and stakeholders of its stability, the party said it remains focused on strengthening its structures nationwide ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The SDP added that it is intensifying membership mobilization through ongoing e-registration and collaborations with political and socio-cultural groups, positioning itself as a credible alternative for national transformation.
