By Ayodele Oluwafemi

The court of appeal in Abuja has voided the judgement of the federal high court in Abuja recognising Shehu Gabam as the national chairman of the Social Democratic Party (SDP).

According to NAN, a three-member panel of the appellate court on Wednesday delivered a unanimous judgement against the judgement of the lower court delivered on June 24.

Judges in the panel are Fadawu Umaru, M.S. Hassan, and L.A. Ganiy.

The appellate court held that the judgement of the lower court in the suit marked FHC/ABJ/CS/402/2026 was null and void.

The court of appeal ruled that the supreme court had earlier ruled on the matter in favour of Abubakar Gombe’s leadership, adding that the lower court’s judgement was faulty.

In June, M.G. Umar, a judge at the federal high court in Abuja, directed INEC to recognise Gabam as the national chairman of the SDP.

Displeased with the judgement, the SDP leadership led by Abubakar Gombe approached the court of appeal.

The Gombe-led SDP leadership argued that the lower court directed INEC to enforce an earlier court of appeal judgement delivered on March 27, 2026, recognising Gabam contrary to judgement of the supreme court on May 22, 2026.

‘COURT OF APPEAL RULED IN FAVOUR OF SDP IN SIX APPLICATIONS’

Speaking after the judgement, Adewole Adebayo, SDP presidential candidate and counsel to the appellants, said the court of appeal ruled in favour of the party in all the six applications considered.

Adebayo said the appellate court also affirmed Francis Ajala as the SDP governorship candidate for Osun.

The SDP presidential candidate commended the judiciary for resolving the dispute and providing guidance to the electoral umpire.

Source: TheCable