The Supreme Court has officially restored Professor Sadiq Gombe as the National Chairman of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), bringing an end to the party’s prolonged leadership crisis.
The apex court also upheld the Ekiti State governorship primary that produced Ambassador Isaac Adebayo Alade as the SDP candidate for the June 2026 governorship election.
The ruling overturned earlier decisions of the Court of Appeal that had questioned both the party’s leadership structure and the validity of the Ekiti primary election.
Speaking after the judgement in Abuja, Professor Gombe described the decision as a major victory for internal democracy, party discipline and the rule of law.
According to him, the Supreme Court upheld an earlier Federal High Court judgement and ruled that the plaintiff who challenged the primary election lacked the legal standing to file the case.
The court reportedly held that the individual was not an aspirant in the governorship primary and therefore had no right to challenge the process.
Gombe explained that the Supreme Court also faulted the Court of Appeal for interfering in the internal affairs of the SDP, stressing that political parties have the constitutional right to manage their leadership and candidate selection processes.
The judgement also reaffirmed the disciplinary actions taken against former SDP National Chairman, Alhaji Shehu Musa Gabam.
According to party officials, the disciplinary measures followed due process, including suspension, investigation and ratification by the party’s National Executive Committee.
The SDP leadership further called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to immediately comply with the Supreme Court ruling.
Also reacting to the judgement, SDP National Secretary, Dr Olu Agunloye, praised the judiciary for what he described as courage and commitment to justice.
He expressed confidence that the ruling would strengthen internal democracy within the party ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The judgement is expected to reshape the SDP’s internal structure and political strategy as preparations for future elections continue.
