SDP Leadership Defies INEC, Schedules May 9 National Convention in Bauchi Amid Protracted Chairmanship Dispute

The Social Democratic Party (SDP) rejects INEC's recognition of Shehu Gabam, scheduling a May 9 convention in Bauchi amid a heated leadership row.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 30, 2026, 5:59 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from PUNCH

A Factional Show of Defiance

The leadership crisis within the Social Democratic Party (SDP) reached a boiling point on Wednesday as the faction led by Prof. Sadiq Gombe ignored official electoral mandates to schedule its national convention. Speaking at a press conference in Abuja, Gombe announced that the party would proceed with nationwide congresses culminating in a May 9 convention in Bauchi State. Backed by 11 of the 12-member National Working Committee, Gombe asserted that the party remains "focused on the ball" ahead of the 2027 elections and will not allow judicial or administrative controversies to stall its internal democratic processes.

Challenging INEC’s Recognition of Shehu Gabam

The primary catalyst for the current standoff is INEC’s decision to list Shehu Gabam as the authentic national chairman on its official website. The commission’s update included the inscription "By Court Order," following a March 27, 2026, judgment by the Court of Appeal in Abuja. The court had upheld Gabam’s leadership during a dispute arising from the Ekiti State governorship primary. However, National Secretary Dr. Olu Agunloye challenged this move, labeling it a "gross overreach." Agunloye argued that neither the Nigerian Constitution nor the Electoral Act 2026 empowers INEC to determine the leadership of a political party.

Allegations of Constitutional Violation and Misappropriation

The Gombe-led faction maintains that Gabam was legally expelled from the party in June 2025 on grounds of fraud, misappropriation, and breach of the party’s constitution. According to Agunloye, Gombe assumed the acting chairmanship strictly in accordance with Article 32(2) of the SDP constitution, which dictates that the Deputy National Chairman (North) takes over in the event of a vacancy. The faction expressed bewilderment that INEC continued to display Gabam’s name despite his alleged expulsion and long-standing disputes regarding his eligibility to lead.