The Independent National Electoral Commission has formally recognised Prof. Sadiq Gombe as the National Chairman of the Social Democratic Party, bringing a fresh twist to the prolonged leadership battle that has unsettled the opposition party in recent months.
The development became public on Wednesday after the SDP announced that INEC had updated its records to reflect Gombe as the party’s leader. The party also stated that the commission removed the names of former National Chairman Shehu Gabam and other expelled members from its database on the same day.
Checks on INEC’s portal also showed that Gombe’s name had been listed as the current national chairman of the party, confirming the change in leadership recognition.
According to the SDP, the commission’s decision followed the implementation of a Supreme Court ruling which, in the party’s view, affirmed its authority to manage its internal affairs, including the selection of leaders and disciplinary actions against members.
The party said Gabam had previously enjoyed recognition from INEC because of an earlier Court of Appeal judgment. However, it maintained that subsequent legal decisions, culminating in the Supreme Court verdict, cleared the way for Gombe’s recognition.
SDP National Publicity Secretary Rufus Aiyenigba welcomed the development, describing it as a step that brings an end to the leadership crisis that had affected the party. He said the resolution of the dispute would allow the SDP to focus on strengthening its structure and preparing for the 2027 general elections.
The party also praised INEC for complying with the court ruling and respecting judicial decisions. It maintained that political parties have the constitutional right to determine their leadership and regulate their internal affairs without external interference.
Aiyenigba further expressed hope that the electoral commission would continue to maintain an independent and cooperative relationship with all political parties in line with democratic principles.
The leadership dispute within the SDP had deepened over the past months as rival factions battled for control of the party’s national structure. While Gabam’s camp relied on earlier court decisions, the opposing faction insisted that later legal developments supported the party’s power to decide its leadership in accordance with its constitution.
With INEC now recognising Gombe as national chairman, the SDP believes the matter has moved into a new phase, allowing the party to concentrate on its political activities and future electoral plans.