INEC Appoints Gombe as SDP National Chairman; Party Welcomes Decision

By Henry Umoru

ABUJA — The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has listed Professor Sadiq Abubakar Gombe as the National Chairman of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), following a Supreme Court ruling that confirmed the party’s right to manage its internal affairs independently.

Professor Gombe now succeeds Shehu Musa Gabam, the former national chairman who was expelled from the party. Gabam’s name had previously been reinstated by INEC after a Court of Appeal decision.

On Wednesday, INEC also removed the names of other expelled SDP members from its records. The SDP described this action as a sign of respect for the rule of law and the authority of the Supreme Court.

In a statement from SDP National Publicity Secretary Araba Rufus Aiyenigba, the party said that resolving its leadership dispute has strengthened its position ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The statement noted that the party has overcome what it called an externally induced leadership crisis and is now firmly positioned for future electoral contests.

The SDP also praised INEC for acknowledging the party’s constitutional right to determine its leadership and manage its internal affairs without outside interference.

The statement read in part: “Having finally overcome and laid to rest the externally induced leadership crisis, the party now stands on a strong pedestal of sustainable stability and is well positioned for the 2027 general elections with its presidential candidate, Prince Adewole Adebayo.”

“The decision of INEC to respect the rule of law and judicial authorities, particularly in this instance, is widely commended by Nigerians, especially members of the SDP nationwide.”

The party highlighted that the Supreme Court had ruled that neither the courts nor INEC have the authority to interfere in the internal affairs of political parties, including the selection of leaders and disciplinary processes.

The SDP expressed hope that INEC will continue to uphold its independence and engage political parties in a manner consistent with democratic principles.

“It is our expectation that INEC will use this moment to turn a new leaf and work cooperatively and respectfully not only with the SDP but with all political parties, in a manner that demonstrates that the word ‘Independent’ in INEC is not merely symbolic,” the statement added.

The party further pledged to continue working with Nigerians and democratic institutions to deepen democracy, tackle poverty and insecurity, and promote good governance.

Professor Gombe and members of the SDP National Working Committee (NWC) assured party members and the public that the party would remain committed to advancing democratic consolidation and promoting policies aimed at improving the welfare of Nigerians.

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