The Social Democratic Party (SDP) has distanced itself from a purported National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting reportedly convened by some members of the party’s Forum of State Chairmen, describing the move as illegal, unconstitutional, and not sanctioned by the National Working Committee (NWC).
In a press statement issued by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Araba Rufus Aiyenigba, the SDP denounced the media invite circulated by what it termed as “a handful of disorderly elements” within the Party.
The statement clarified that no NEC meeting had been approved or scheduled by the NWC which is the only body constitutionally empowered to convene such a gathering.
“The public is hereby informed that there is no National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting called by the National Working Committee (NWC) of the Party,” the statement read in part. “Any such meeting being claimed to hold today, Friday, July 25, 2025, is unconstitutional and stands null and void.
“Aiyenigba stated that the NWC had issued an official disclaimer on Thursday, July 24, urging all Party members, especially State Chairmen, to disregard the unauthorized meeting and avoid lending it any legitimacy.
He further disclosed that the NWC had contacted the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), notifying the electoral umpire of the alleged unauthorized meeting and actions of the dissenting members. Disciplinary measures, the party warned, would be taken against any NEC member who defied the party’s directive.
“The NWC is making arrangements for a properly constituted NEC meeting in accordance with the party’s 2022 Constitution (as amended),” Aiyenigba noted. “A formal notice will be issued to the media and relevant stakeholders once the meeting is duly scheduled.”