The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has updated its official website to reflect Shehu Gabam as the National Chairman of the Social Democratic Party (SDP). This follows a Court of Appeal judgment directing the commission to recognise Gabam's leadership. The website now lists Gabam and his team as the legitimate executives of the party. The update includes a note stating the recognition is by order of the Court of Appeal. No additional statement was issued by INEC beyond the website adjustment. The court ruling nullified the previous recognition of a rival faction led by Justice Dalhatu. INEC had earlier recognised the Dalhatu faction before the appellate court's intervention. The commission has not commented on implications for party primaries or internal elections. The SDP is one of the 18 political parties recognised by INEC for the 2027 general elections.
INEC reversed its position on SDP leadership only after a court forced its hand, exposing its reluctance to act without judicial pressure. The commission initially backed a faction later nullified by the Court of Appeal, creating confusion for SDP members. This undermines trust in INEC's ability to impartially manage party affairs ahead of 2027. Party members now face uncertainty over which internal decisions remain valid after the leadership flip.
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