By Ben Atonko who was in Bauchi
Social Democratic Party (SDP) has affirmed Prof. Abubakar Gombe as its National Chairman at the party’s National Convention held in Bauchi penultimate Saturday, effectively sidelining former chairman Alhaji Shehu Gabam’s bid to return to office.
The decision at the convention brings an apparent end to Gabam’s months-long struggle to reclaim the party leadership, even though he had secured a court victory nullifying his removal.
Gabam was eased out of office last year following accusations of financial impropriety levelled against him by members of the party’s National Working Committee (NWC).
The allegations centred on the alleged mismanagement of party funds, though Gabam consistently denied any wrongdoing and described his removal as illegal and politically motivated.
Challenging the decision, Gabam approached the courts and obtained a judgment in his favour.
The court declared his ouster invalid and ordered that he be reinstated as national chairman.
Buoyed by the ruling, Gabam attempted to resume work at the SDP national secretariat in Abuja on Thursday, 7 May 2026.
His return was blocked. Party officials and security personnel at the headquarters prevented him from accessing the premises, citing the pending party convention and the need to maintain order.
The move signalled that the SDP leadership had chosen to resolve the matter through internal party structures rather than abide by the court’s directive.
At the Bauchi convention on May 9, delegates overwhelmingly endorsed Prof. Gombe, a political scientist and longtime party figure as the new national chairman.
The convention was attended by party leaders, delegates from the 36 states and the FCT and representatives of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
In his acceptance speech, Prof. Gombe pledged to unify the party and reposition it as a credible alternative ahead of the 2027 general elections.
He called for reconciliation and urged aggrieved members to put the interest of the party above personal ambitions.
“The SDP belongs to all of us. It is time to close ranks, rebuild trust and present ourselves as the party of peace, progress and order that Nigerians are yearning for,” he said.
With the convention affirming Prof. Gombe, questions now arise over the fate of Gabam’s court victory.
Legal experts note that political parties in Nigeria often rely on internal mechanisms and conventions to resolve leadership disputes, even when court rulings exist.
By holding a fresh convention and electing new leadership, the SDP has effectively created a fait accompli.
While Gabam’s judgment remains valid on paper, its enforcement now faces political and practical hurdles.
Any attempt to enforce it may require a fresh application to the court to compel compliance or set aside the outcome of the convention.
A senior lawyer who spoke on condition of anonymity said the situation reflects a recurring pattern in Nigerian politics.
“Courts can declare a removal illegal but parties often use conventions to regularize new leadership.
“Unless Gabam goes back to court to challenge the convention itself, his victory may become academic,” he said.
A National Executive Committee (NEC) member of SDP, Engr. Idoko Itodo told our reporter that issues had been laid to rest and the party is looking up to the general elections.
For now, the SDP appears to be moving forward with Prof. Gombe at the helm.
His confirmation gives the party a clear leadership structure as it prepares for state and national political activities ahead of 2027.
Gabam has not issued a public statement since the convention. Allies say he is consulting with his legal team on the next steps.
Meanwhile, INEC’s portal still reads, “National Chairman Shehu Musa Gabam (By Court Order)”.
Some party members have called for reconciliation to avoid prolonged litigation that could weaken the SDP ahead of the elections.
Political analysts say the party’s ability to manage the fallout will determine whether it emerges stronger or remains mired in internal crisis.
“The SDP has a chance to rebrand itself as a credible third force. But that depends on how it handles this transition and whether it can bring Gabam and his supporters back into the fold,” said Abuja-based analyst Mr. David Onu.
For now, the Bauchi convention has closed one chapter in the SDP leadership saga but the legal and political questions surrounding Gabam’s ouster are far from over.
