The Court of Appeal in Abuja has overturned a Federal High Court judgment that recognised Shehu Gabam as the National Chairman of the Social Democratic Party, SDP.
The appellate court delivered its decision on Wednesday, August 12, 2026, following an appeal challenging the earlier ruling of the Federal High Court.
A three-member panel of the Court of Appeal, made up of Justices Fadawu Umaru, M.S. Hassan and L.A. Ganiyu, reached a unanimous decision on the matter.
The ruling effectively set aside the lower court’s decision which had recognised Gabam, who had been expelled from the party, as the national chairman of the SDP.
The development is expected to affect the ongoing leadership dispute within the party, which has continued to face internal disagreements over its national leadership and control.
The Court of Appeal’s decision now changes the legal position created by the Federal High Court judgment and could have further implications for the party’s leadership and activities.
Further details on the reasons for the appellate court’s decision were not contained in the report.