SDP asks INEC to hold off on leadership decisions

The Social Democratic Party has asked the Independent National Electoral Commission not to make any moves on the party’s leadership until an appeal over a recent Federal High Court ruling is settled.

The party made this request in a statement on Friday by its National Publicity Secretary, Rufus Aiyenigba. This came after a petition was sent to INEC by expelled former National Chairman, Shehu Gabam. The petition included a Federal High Court judgment delivered on June 24.

Aiyenigba explained that they are already challenging the judgment at the Court of Appeal. He insisted that it should not be used to make decisions about the party's leadership.

“The SDP calls on the Independent National Electoral Commission to note that the said judgment has been appealed by the Social Democratic Party, and it is now pending before the Court of Appeal,” the statement read.

The party spokesman also pointed out that the Supreme Court has consistently stated that courts do not have the power to decide the leadership of political parties.

“Concerning the leadership of the SDP, the Supreme Court has maintained that courts do not have jurisdiction to decide who can be the National Chairman, National Secretary, or the leadership of a political party,” it stated.

The party further added that the Federal High Court judgment did not instruct INEC to recognize any person as the party's National Chairman or National Secretary.

“There is no positive order mandating INEC in this judgment to install Shehu Gabam as National Chairman or Ogbonna Okechukwu as National Secretary,” the statement continued.

Aiyenigba also mentioned that part of the ruling relied on a Court of Appeal decision, which they believe has already been overturned by the Supreme Court.

Therefore, they urged INEC to keep the current leadership in place until the appeal is resolved.

“The party therefore urges the Independent National Electoral Commission to maintain the status quo on party leadership until the final determination of the appeal because there is a decision of the Supreme Court that has set aside and nullified the Court of Appeal judgment mentioned in the Federal High Court ruling,” the statement said.

The party also shared that it held its National Executive Committee meeting on July 9, which it described as part of efforts to strengthen its internal democracy and administrative structures.

They mentioned that the nomination process for their presidential candidate, Adewole Adebayo, and vice-presidential candidate, Dr. Usman Bugaje, has been completed. They are also processing the submission of documents for other candidates from their primaries.

“The SDP is focused on building and reinforcing its capacity for victory ahead of the 2027 general elections and will continue to work for democratic growth and promote the true interest of Nigeria,” the statement added.