The Acting National Chairman of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Prof. Sadiq Umar Abubakar, has urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to immediately cease dealings with suspended and expelled party members and to remove the name of former National Chairman Shehu Gabam from its official records.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Abubakar made the appeal on Thursday while speaking to journalists at the SDP National Secretariat in Abuja, following a Supreme Court ruling that upheld the party’s leadership. He stated that the directive to INEC was necessary in light of the apex court’s decision, which conclusively resolved the internal leadership dispute and reaffirmed the constitutional autonomy of political parties to manage their affairs.

“INEC should immediately remove the name of the suspended and expelled National Chairman and recognise the duly appointed Acting National Chairman of the party, Prof. Sadiq Umar Abubakar, who was appointed by the National Working Committee in accordance with the SDP constitution,” he said.

Abubakar described the Supreme Court judgment as a strong affirmation that the judiciary remains the ultimate arbiter for individuals and institutions seeking justice, equity, and fairness.

“The Supreme Court, the highest court in the land, has shown that justice will always prevail,” he said. He commended the Justices of the Supreme Court, as well as judges of the Court of Appeal and Federal High Court, noting that the courts were unanimous in ruling that the internal affairs of political parties are governed exclusively by their constitutions.

According to him, the ruling reinforces the supremacy of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), the Electoral Act, and political party constitutions over administrative convenience. He urged INEC to respect the judgment and refrain from interfering in party matters.

“To the Independent National Electoral Commission, while we understand their concerns, this matter has been conclusively decided by the Honourable Supreme Court,” he said, adding that the SDP expects INEC to fully recognise all decisions of the party’s National Working Committee (NWC), which is empowered under the SDP constitution to manage day-to-day administration, appointments, discipline, and general party operations.

Tracing the origins of the dispute, Abubakar said the crisis began when the NWC, acting in line with the party constitution, investigated allegations of constitutional breaches, financial misconduct, and other irregularities against certain national officers. A disciplinary committee was formed under Article 19.1 of the SDP constitution, providing all affected officers the opportunity to be heard. While the National Auditor appeared before the committee and later resigned, the former National Chairman declined to appear.

Following the committee’s recommendations, the NWC adopted a White Paper and expelled the former National Chairman and National Auditor, formally notifying INEC of the decisions. However, INEC initially refused to recognise the new leadership and rejected SDP candidates for elections in several states, insisting that correspondence must be signed by the expelled chairman.

This prompted the party to seek legal redress at the Federal High Court, which ruled in SDP’s favour. INEC’s appeals to the Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court were subsequently dismissed.

“The Supreme Court has now clearly affirmed that the internal affairs of political parties are their exclusive preserve,” Abubakar said.

He expressed gratitude to members of the SDP National Working Committee for their dedication to the party, democracy, and the rule of law, calling for a renewed relationship between INEC and political parties based on mutual respect and adherence to legal frameworks.

Abubakar noted that reconciliation efforts within the party continue, while matters involving alleged criminal conduct will be handled by the appropriate authorities.

“I hope and pray that this judgment will strengthen our democracy and contribute to making Nigeria a better place for all,” he concluded.