The Supreme Court has dismissed an appeal filed by former National Chairman of the Social Democratic Party, Shehu Gabam, in the party’s prolonged leadership dispute.

The five-member panel, led by Justice Adamu Jauro, ruled on Wednesday that the appeal had become irrelevant, effectively bringing another phase of the legal battle over the SDP leadership to a close.

The judgment reinforces the position of Prof. Abubakar Sadiq Gombe, whose leadership of the party has been recognised by the faction led by the SDP presidential candidate, Prince Adewole Adebayo.

The dispute had previously passed through the Federal High Court and the Court of Appeal. Speaking to journalists outside the Supreme Court in Abuja, Adebayo, who also serves as counsel to the party, said the appeal no longer had a live issue for determination.

He explained that Gabam had already been removed from the party and had not challenged his removal, adding that the original case was filed by another party member seeking recognition for Gabam.

Adebayo said the Court of Appeal had earlier set aside the Federal High Court judgment that formed the basis of the dispute.

He, however, disclosed that two other cases involving the SDP and the Independent National Electoral Commission remained before the Supreme Court.

According to him, the cases concern INEC’s electoral timetable, particularly the periods available to political parties for the nomination and substitution of candidates.

Adebayo said the suits were filed to seek judicial clarification on the electoral commission’s powers and ensure that its actions remained within the law.

Reacting to the judgment, Gombe described the development as a victory for the SDP and democracy.

He said the party’s repeated appearances in court should be viewed as part of its efforts to defend democratic principles and resolve internal disputes through legal processes.

The Supreme Court ruling comes as the SDP works to consolidate its leadership and prepare for the 2027 general elections, amid continuing legal disagreements involving the party and INEC.