INEC Under Fire As SDP Heads To Court Over Controversial By-Election Snub!

The Social Democratic Party (SDP) has dragged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to court over what it describes as the illegal rejection of its candidates for the upcoming by-elections across 12 states, according to iReporter Online.

In a strongly worded statement released on Sunday, the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Araba Rufus Aiyenigba, confirmed that the SDP had filed a suit challenging INEC’s refusal to accept candidates who emerged from primaries conducted in strict accordance with both the party’s constitution and the Electoral Act.

Aiyenigba emphasized the party’s confidence in the judiciary to compel INEC to reverse its “ultra vires” action and uphold the legitimacy of its candidates.

According to iReporter Online, the SDP argued that INEC’s decision—purportedly influenced by perceived internal disputes—also extended to Labour Party candidates, despite a Supreme Court ruling that affirms political parties’ autonomy in choosing their flagbearers. “INEC has no constitutional mandate to meddle in internal party affairs or determine who our candidates should be,” Aiyenigba insisted.

The party’s legal move comes amid escalating internal turmoil. On July 25, a faction of the SDP convened an emergency National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting in Abuja, during which 23 state chairmen and the FCT chair dissolved rival factions led by Alhaji Shehu Gabam and Dr. Sadiq Abubakar.

That meeting ushered in a new National Working Committee headed by acting Chairman Adamu Modibo, who pledged to set up a reconciliation panel to resolve internal fractures.

However, Dr. Abubakar’s loyalists dismissed the NEC gathering as unconstitutional. National Secretary Dr. Olu Agunloye called it a “sham,” warning state chairmen against participating in what he labeled a gross violation of the party’s constitution.

He added that several state leaders had submitted sworn affidavits to INEC denying their involvement, accusing organizers of forging signatures.

The infighting has led to high-profile suspensions and expulsions. On June 24, the Gabam-led NWC suspended its own former National Chairman, Shehu Gabam, over alleged financial misconduct.

National Auditor Nze Nnadi Clarkson and National Youth Leader Uchechukwu Chukwuma were also suspended for similar offenses.

Adding more heat to the crisis, the party last week expelled former Kaduna State Governor, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, for 30 years over alleged impersonation and anti-party activities.

According to iReporter Online, the SDP accused El-Rufai of falsely claiming to be a member while promoting a rival party in Kaduna. Despite his public alignment with the SDP, he never registered formally at the ward level, violating both the party’s constitution and the Electoral Act, the party claimed.

Still, according to iReporter Online, the SDP insists it is unwavering in its determination to defend the electoral rights of its candidates in court and pursue internal reforms to restore unity and discipline within its ranks.

”IREPORTER REPORTS”