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INEC recognizes Shehu Gabam as SDP National Chairman following court ruling
via Punch Nigeria2 min read
The Independent National Electoral Commission INEC has officially recognized the Shehu Gabam-led National Working Committee NWC of the Social Democratic Party SDP. This decision, confirmed by INEC officials and updated on its website, follows a recent judgment by the Court of Appeal, Abuja Division. The appellate court, in a unanimous judgment delivered on March 27, 2026, affirmed Gabam as the authentic National Chairman of the party. The ruling stemmed from an appeal filed by Fayemi Babatunde, an aggrieved party member, who challenged the validity of the Ekiti State governorship primary and the legitimacy of the party leadership that conducted it. Babatunde specifically faulted the NWC led by Dr. Sadiq Gombe, describing it as illegally constituted. While a Federal High Court initially dismissed the case and affirmed Gombe, the Court of Appeal partially overturned this decision, stating the lower court lacked jurisdiction over the SDP leadership tussle. The appellate court set aside the Federal High Court's pronouncement recognizing Gombe and validating the November 8, 2025 primary election. However, it relied on INEC's monitoring report, which confirmed the primary election was conducted with valid delegates and produced a winner, Mr. Bankole Oludele. INEC's website now lists Gabam as National Chairman, with Olu Agunloye as National Secretary, and other NWC members including Hajia Maggie Mariam as National Treasurer and Aderemi Abimbola as National Legal Adviser, with "By Co
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Punch Nigeria.
The renovated Sabon Tasha Primary Healthcare Centre in Kaduna State is seeing an increase in pregnant women seeking antenatal care, skilled birth attendance, and family planning services. This surge in patronage follows upgrades to facilities, improved staffing, and a renewed focus on patient-centered care, which has restored public confidence in the primary healthcare system. Previously, the center suffered from deteriorating infrastructure and a lack of staff accommodation, leading many women to seek care elsewhere or rely on traditional birth attendants, contributing to high maternal and neonatal mortality rates in Kaduna. The improvements, including new equipment, essential medicines, and staff quarters, have transformed the facility and its services. Patients like Maryam Ibrahim and Aisha Musa shared positive experiences, highlighting the compassionate care, clear explanations, and support received during their pregnancies and deliveries. Grace Yakubu and Rebecca Daniel also benefited from family planning counseling, which dispelled myths and allowed them to make informed decisions about child spacing. Officer-in-Charge Mrs. Alice Williams and Corps Medical Doctor Dr. Onovu Christopher emphasized that the transformation extends beyond infrastructure to include a patient-centered approach, where life-saving care is prioritized even if patients cannot immediately pay. They noted that sustained investment is crucial for maintaining these gains, despite ongoing challenges li
Must ReadFive Nigerian state governments, including Ondo, Kaduna, Anambra, Zamfara, and Abia, intend to convert their current security organizations into state police once the constitutional process for the new policing system is finalized. This development follows the House of Representatives' passage of an Executive Bill to establish state police. These states argue that their existing security outfits already possess the necessary institutional structures, operational experience, and community trust for a smooth transition, making it more cost-effective and faster than creating new organizations. For instance, Ondo State plans to convert its Amotekun Corps, Kaduna State aims to transform its Vigilance Service, and Zamfara State intends to utilize its Civilian Protection Guards. Anambra State will reconfigure its Agunechemba outfit, and Abia State plans to merge its Homeland Security and community vigilante groups. Conversely, states like Bayelsa, Yobe, Imo, Benue, Kebbi, Sokoto, Ogun, and Ekiti are awaiting the completion of the constitutional process and the issuance of implementation guidelines before deciding on their approach. Delta State, however, plans to establish entirely new state police structures rather than converting existing vigilante groups, having already approved the construction of police headquarters in all 25 local government areas.
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