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The leadership crisis within the Social Democratic Party (SDP) has shown no signs of easing, with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) yet to update its records to reflect Shehu Gabam as the party’s National Chairman despite a court judgment in his favour.
The prolonged dispute between Gabam and Sadiq Abubakar Gombe has lasted for nearly two years, generating conflicting court rulings that have continued to shape the party’s leadership and deepen uncertainty.
Amid the legal battle, a coalition of civil society organisations has expressed concern over the delay, warning that the matter now extends beyond an internal party dispute to issues of constitutional order, democratic governance and respect for the rule of law.
The controversy intensified after a court on May 22 directed INEC to recognise Gombe as the SDP’s leader, a decision the electoral commission implemented.
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However, another judgment delivered on June 9 reversed the situation by ordering INEC to recognise Gabam as the party’s National Chairman.
Despite the latest ruling, the electoral commission has yet to update its official portal to reflect Gabam’s status several weeks after the court’s decision, fuelling fresh concerns over compliance with judicial pronouncements and the lingering uncertainty surrounding the party’s leadership.
The civil society groups urged relevant authorities to ensure respect for valid court orders, stressing that adherence to judicial decisions remains essential to safeguarding Nigeria’s democratic process ahead of future elections.
