SDP Crisis Ends as Supreme Court Backs Gombe-Led National Working Committee

The Supreme Court has affirmed the leadership of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) led by Prof. Sadiq Umar Abubakar Gombe, setting aside earlier judgments of the Court of Appeal that had reportedly been relied upon by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to recognize a rival faction.

In a landmark judgment delivered on Friday, May 22, 2026, in suit SC/CV/229/2026, the apex court ruled on a series of appeals involving disputes over the party’s leadership and internal primaries.

The court held that the originating suit lacked merit on the grounds of locus standi, stating that the plaintiffs were not qualified aspirants and therefore lacked the legal standing to institute the case. It added that the Federal High Court was right to have dismissed the matter on that basis.

The Supreme Court further set aside portions of the Court of Appeal judgment which had invalidated the Ekiti State governorship primary election of the SDP and made pronouncements on internal party leadership. According to the ruling, the appellate court acted without jurisdiction in making those determinations.

The apex court also struck out the suit in its entirety, affirming the decision of the Federal High Court and nullifying all consequential orders issued by the Court of Appeal.

Following the judgment, the SDP National Publicity Secretary, Araba Rufus Aiyenigba, described the ruling as a decisive end to internal leadership disputes within the party, insisting that it validates the decisions of the party’s national convention held in Bauchi on May 9, 2026.

The party further stated that the judgment confirms the legitimacy of the Prof. Gombe-led National Working Committee (NWC) and dismisses claims of a parallel leadership structure. It also maintained that the ruling strengthens the party ahead of preparations for the 2027 general elections.

The SDP expressed appreciation to the judiciary for what it described as its independence and courage, while calling on members to remain focused on strengthening the party’s political agenda.