The Social Democratic Party (SDP) has applauded the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for recognising what it described as the party’s constitutional autonomy by uploading the name of Prof. Sadiq Umar Abubakar Gombe as its National Chairman.
The party said the development followed the implementation of a Supreme Court judgment, which led to the removal of the name of former National Chairman, Shehu Musa Gabam, and other expelled members from INEC’s records on Wednesday.
In a statement issued by the SDP National Publicity Secretary, Araba Rufus Aiyenigba, the party described INEC’s action as a victory for the rule of law and democratic principles.
“Finally, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has bowed to the autonomy of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) by implementing the ruling of the Supreme Court and uploading the name of Professor Sadiq Umar Abubakar Gombe to replace Shehu Musa Gabam,” the statement said.
The SDP noted that the decision had effectively brought an end to what it called an externally induced leadership crisis that had affected the party.
According to the party, “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 strongly positioned for the 2027 general elections.”
The party expressed confidence in its presidential candidate, Prince Adewole Adebayo, describing him as a leader with the capacity and competence to address Nigeria’s challenges.
The statement further commended INEC for respecting judicial authorities and the Supreme Court’s position on the internal affairs of political parties.
“The decision of INEC to respect the rule of law and judicial authorities is widely commended by not a few Nigerians, especially within the ranks of SDP faithful nationwide,” it said.
The SDP maintained that the Supreme Court had made it clear that neither the courts nor INEC should interfere in the internal affairs of political parties, including matters relating to leadership selection and discipline.
“It is pertinent to note that this new stance of INEC to recognise and respect the autonomy of the SDP to choose its leadership and conduct its internal affairs is in line with the express guidance of the Supreme Court that neither the courts nor INEC has authority or power to interfere in the internal affairs of political parties,” the statement added.
The party urged the electoral commission to sustain the approach in its relationship with all political parties.
“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 will show that the word ‘Independent’ in its name is not a hollow term,” the party stated.
The SDP also reaffirmed its commitment to democratic consolidation and national development, pledging to work with Nigerians and democratic institutions to deepen democracy and address poverty and insecurity.
The National Chairman, Prof. Gombe, and members of the National Working Committee (NWC) assured party members and the Nigerian public that the SDP would continue to promote the country’s interests and strengthen democratic governance.