The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has recognized the faction of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) led by Professor Sadiq Abubakar Gombe as the authentic leaders of the party.
INEC has uploaded Gombe’s name as the SDP National Chairman along with other party officials.
The note attached clarified that the recognition is based on a court order.
The recognition is in compliance with a Supreme Court judgment affirming the party’s autonomy in managing its internal affairs.
With the development, Professor Gombe replaces Shehu Musa Gabam, whose name had earlier been restored by INEC based on a Court of Appeal judgment.
Reacting to the development, the SDP National Publicity Secretary, Araba Rufus Aiyenigba, said the move is in compliance with the rule of law.
He added that the development has effectively ended the leadership crisis rocking the party, and the SDP can now focus on preparations for the 2027 general elections.
The SDP also praised INEC for recognising the party’s constitutional right to determine its leadership and manage its internal affairs without external interference.
The statement read in part: “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 well positioned for the 2027 general elections with its presidential candidate, Prince Adewole Adebayo.
“The decision of INEC to respect the rule of law and judicial authorities, particularly in this instance, is widely commended by Nigerians, especially members of the SDP nationwide.”
The party noted that the Supreme Court had clearly ruled that neither the courts nor INEC possess the authority to interfere in the internal affairs of political parties, including the selection of leaders and disciplinary processes.
The SDP expressed hope that INEC would continue to uphold its independence and engage political parties in a manner consistent with democratic principles.
“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 demonstrates that the word ‘Independent’ in INEC is not merely symbolic,” the statement added.
The party further pledged to continue working with Nigerians and democratic institutions to deepen democracy, tackle poverty and insecurity, and promote good governance.
