SDP Applauds Supreme Court Judgment, Says Decision Upholds Party Independence

The Social Democratic Party (SDP) has commended the Supreme Court for its ruling that fined the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) ₦2 million for interfering in the party’s internal affairs, describing the judgement as a significant reinforcement of party autonomy, multi-party democracy, and the rule of law.

Speaking to journalists, the party’s lead counsel and 2023 presidential candidate, Prince Adewole Adebayo, said the verdict serves as a clear warning to INEC to refrain from meddling in matters that fall strictly within the constitutional authority of political parties.

Prince Adebayo maintained that the SDP is not experiencing any leadership crisis, stressing that the recognised National Officers — including the Acting National Chairman, Professor Sadiq Umar Abubakar; National Secretary, Dr. Olu Agunloye; and other members of the National Working Committee — remain legitimately in office.

He explained that the dispute arose after the party appointed an acting chairman who formally wrote to INEC to nominate candidates, a request the commission rejected while continuing to engage with a chairman who had already been removed.

According to him, the courts were unanimous in their findings that INEC does not possess the authority to interrogate, override, or interfere with the internal decisions of a political party.

Prince Adebayo recalled that the Court of Appeal had earlier affirmed the SDP’s right to reorganise its leadership and empowered the acting chairman to act on behalf of the party, a position now conclusively upheld by the Supreme Court.

He noted that while the fine imposed on INEC may ultimately be borne by taxpayers, it remains an important reminder that no institution has the mandate to destabilise opposition parties or undermine democratic competition.

In his reaction, the Acting National Chairman of the SDP, Professor Sadiq Umar Abubakar Gombe, described the judgement as a landmark decision that strengthens Nigeria’s democratic framework.

Speaking from the National Chairman’s Office at the party’s secretariat in Abuja, Professor Gombe said the ruling holds broad significance for all political parties, as it reaffirms that party administration must be governed by party constitutions rather than external interference.

He urged INEC to comply fully with the judgement by recognising the authority of the SDP National Working Committee and immediately disengaging from individuals who have been suspended or expelled from the party.

Professor Gombe specifically called for the removal of the former National Chairman, Alhaji Shehu Musa Gabam, from INEC’s official records, emphasising that the Supreme Court has now conclusively resolved all leadership disputes within the party.

He expressed confidence that the ruling would recalibrate relations between INEC and political parties, fostering mutual respect, fairness, and adherence to due process as the country moves closer to the 2027 general elections.

The Supreme Court decision, he added, firmly underscores the autonomy of political parties and signals a clear judicial stance against regulatory intrusion into internal political affairs.