The gubernatorial ambition of Mr. Saheed Oladele, Baameko of Ibadanland, to be on the ballot for 2027 general elections in Oyo State has suffered a setback, following the recognition of Prof. Sadiq Abubakar Gombe by Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as the authentic National Chairman of the Social Democratic Party, SDP.
Though, Baameko joined SDP through faction of Prof. Gombe from Oyo State but his pendulum swings towards faction led by Sheu Musa Gabam after State leadership of the party had declared Mr. Michael Okunlade as its consensus candidate.
Baameko picked his nomination and expression of interest forms through Gabam led National Chairman, the development party members were not party with. Leaders, party members and other critical stakeholders expressed their anger at the meeting held recently which went viral.
They accused Baameko of not being loyal, patience and trying to frustrate their efforts by obtaining gubernatorial form through Gabam faction.
FreshPage reports that Mr. Saheed Oladele resigned his membership from the All Progressives Congress, APC in April 7, 2026 and joined Social Democratic Party, SDP on Monday, April 13, 2026.
While stating in the letter why he dumped APC, Baameko complained that Youths were not giving due recognition and leadership position in the party. He said his decision to join SDP was based on choosing conviction over convenience.
A check on the INEC website by FRESHPAGE on Thursday shows that INEC has uploaded Gombe’s name as the SDP National Chairman along with other party officials.
The note attached clarified that the recognition is based on a court order.
The recognition is in compliance with a Supreme Court judgment affirming the party’s autonomy in managing its internal affairs.
With the development, Professor Gombe replaces Shehu Musa Gabam, whose name had earlier been restored by INEC based on a Court of Appeal judgment.
Reacting to the development, the SDP National Publicity Secretary, Araba Rufus Aiyenigba, said the move is in compliance with the rule of law.
He added that the development has effectively ended the leadership crisis rocking the party, and the SDP can now focus on preparations for the 2027 general elections.
The SDP also praised INEC for recognising the party’s constitutional right to determine its leadership and manage its internal affairs without external interference.
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The statement read in part: “Having finally overcome and laid to rest the externally induced leadership crisis, the party now stands on a strong pedestal of sustainable stability and is well positioned for the 2027 general elections with its presidential candidate, Prince Adewole Adebayo.
“The decision of INEC to respect the rule of law and judicial authorities, particularly in this instance, is widely commended by Nigerians, especially members of the SDP nationwide.”
The party noted that the Supreme Court had clearly ruled that neither the courts nor INEC possess the authority to interfere in the internal affairs of political parties, including the selection of leaders and disciplinary processes.
The SDP expressed hope that INEC would continue to uphold its independence and engage political parties in a manner consistent with democratic principles.
“It is our expectation that INEC will use this moment to turn a new leaf and work cooperatively and respectfully not only with the SDP but with all political parties, in a manner that demonstrates that the word ‘Independent’ in INEC is not merely symbolic,” the statement added.
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The party further pledged to continue working with Nigerians and democratic institutions to deepen democracy, tackle poverty and insecurity, and promote good governance.
