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The Supreme Court has dismissed an appeal by former National Chairman of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Shehu Gabam, in the latest legal battle over the party’s leadership.

The development reinforces the position of Prof. Abubakar Sadiq Gombe as the party’s national chairman following the apex court’s earlier judgment in May 2026.

The Supreme Court had in that judgment set aside the Court of Appeal decision that had restored Gabam’s recognition.

A five-member panel, comprising Justices Adamu Jauro, Haruna Tsammani, A.A. Adumein, Jonah Adah and Joseph Oyewole, was said to have ruled against Gabam.

In the lead judgment, Justice Jauro held that the appeal lacked merit and had become irrelevant, bringing Gabam’s challenge to the earlier Court of Appeal decision to an end.

Reacting to the judgment, SDP presidential candidate and counsel to the party, Prince Adewole Adebayo, said Gabam’s challenge had effectively been terminated.

‘The Supreme Court said that there is no life in the case and dismissed the case. That is the end of Shehu Gabam. There is nothing about the SDP leadership crisis coming up again,’ Adebayo said.

He further claimed that the panel advised the appellants to withdraw the suit and apologise to the court, describing the development as an end to the litigation over the national chairmanship.

The May 22 Supreme Court judgment had earlier set aside the Court of Appeal’s intervention in the SDP leadership dispute and affirmed the legal effect of the party’s internal processes. INEC subsequently recognised Gombe as the SDP national chairman and removed Gabam from its records.

Adebayo, however, said the SDP still had two matters pending before the Supreme Court.

One of them, he said, concerns a challenge to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) over its modified timetable for the 2027 presidential election.

He said the suit was intended to address broader issues concerning the conduct of the electoral process rather than a specific timetable affecting the SDP.

‘The reason we brought the case to court is not that we, particularly the SDP, [are concerned] with the 2027 election modified timetable. It is to limit INEC’s abuse of the electoral process. INEC’s job is to be a servant of democracy and to follow the law as stated,’ Adebayo said.

Following the ruling, SDP National Chairman Prof. Gombe commended the Supreme Court for its handling of the dispute and the protection of internal party democracy.

The latest development follows a prolonged leadership dispute that had seen both Gabam and Gombe’s factions lay claim to control of the party.

The SDP itself had previously said the Supreme Court’s May 2026 decision set aside the Court of Appeal judgment and affirmed the authority of the Gombe-led National Working Committee.

Pupils of Igbobi College Yaba, Lagos, have been urged to embrace a life of purpose, discipline, excellence and true greatness as they resume for the 2026/2027 academic session

The school Principal, Ven. Joseph Oyewale Adediji, gave the charge while receiving the pupils, in demonstration of his commitment to the welfare and success of every child entrusted to the college.

Dressed in the school uniform, Ven. Adediji delivered a stirring message on the assembly ground, with the title: ‘I Will Be Great,’ drawing his text from Genesis 12:1-3.

The Principal reminded the pupils that greatness is not measured by wealth, popularity, social status or worldly achievements. Rather, true greatness begins with God, is sustained by obedience, and is ultimately expressed through service to humanity.

CitingAbraham, whom God called to leave his comfort zone and journey into an unknown future, the principal challenged the pupils to cultivate faith, discipline and obedience in their lives.

He admonished them not to take their admission into Igbobi College for granted, stressing that their presence in the institution is neither accidental nor ordinary, but a privilege that carries responsibility.

‘You have been brought here for a purpose. God has positioned you in Igbobi College to be trained, moulded and prepared for greatness. The question is whether you will embrace the discipline, hard work, character and obedience required to fulfil that destiny.’ The principal also urged the pupils to resist distractions, avoid negative influences and remain focused on their academic, moral and spiritual development.

Reminding them of the school’s rich heritage, Ven. Adediji charged the pupils to see themselves as custodians of a legacy built by generations of distinguished Igbobians who have excelled in leadership, governance, scholarship and public service.

He referenced notable alumni of the college, including former Vice President, Prof Yemi Osinbajo; former Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babatunde Raji Fashola; former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Mr. Femi Gbajabiamila; and several other accomplished Nigerians whose lives continue to impact society.

The Principal challenged the students not merely to admire these great men, but to emulate the values of excellence, diligence, discipline and service that distinguished them.

‘You are not called merely to succeed,’ he stressed. ‘You are called to become a blessing. The world does not simply need successful people; it needs men of character, men of integrity, men who will use their gifts and opportunities to make life better for others.’

Parents and students were particularly delighted by the introduction of the school’s shuttle buses, which conveyed students from Angus Hall to their various hostels.

The innovative initiative, described by many as unprecedented in the history of the College, significantly eased the challenges often associated with resumption.

Several parents commended the school management for the thoughtful arrangement and the warm atmosphere that greeted students upon their return.

One of the parents, Mrs. Afolasade, expressed appreciation for the Principal’s hands-on leadership style and the positive transformation taking place within the College.

According to her, Ven. Adediji’s passion, integrity and dedication continue to inspire confidence among parents and members of the Igbobi College community. She noted that the Principal’s reputation for excellence and impactful leadership had preceded his appointment and is already evident in the progressive initiatives being introduced in the school.

The assembly concluded with fervent prayers as students and staff committed the new academic session, the College and their individual aspirations into God’s hands.

The Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy, Hanatu Musa Musawa, has described the death of Nollywood legend Olu Jacobs as a monumental loss to the nation and the creative industry.

The legendary actor and cultural icon, Sir Oludotun Baiyewu Jacobs, died on Wednesday, 16th September 2026, at the age of 84.

Musawa, in a statement issued by her media aide, Dr Nneka Ikem-Anibeze, said, ‘Olu Jacobs was not just an actor; he was a national institution. He was one of the most important pillars of Nigeria’s entertainment industry and one of Africa’s greatest actors. For over five decades, his voice, his presence and his craft gave life to our stories and gave dignity to our industry.

‘Through the Lufodo Academy, which has trained hundreds of actors, directors and filmmakers who are now leading Nollywood, and through the countless lives he touched, his legacy will continue to live on stage, on screen and in the hearts of millions of Nigerians. Nigeria has lost a Lion, but his light will never fade.’

On behalf of the Federal Government of Nigeria and the entire creative community, the Ministry also extends heartfelt condolences to Dame Joke Silva, his children and other family members.