SDP Sues INEC Amid Explosive Internal Crisis and Leadership Showdown

The Social Democratic Party has taken legal action against the Independent National Electoral Commission over the Commission’s refusal to accept the party’s nominated candidates for the forthcoming by-elections in twelve states. According to iReporter Online, the SDP alleges that INEC’s decision violates electoral guidelines and disregards internal party processes.

In a statement released on Sunday, the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Araba Rufus Aiyenigba, described the Commission’s stance as “an overreach,” asserting that the candidates in question emerged from primaries conducted in accordance with party rules and electoral regulations. The party is asking the judiciary to compel INEC to recognize its candidates, citing compliance with both its constitution and the Electoral Act.

The development occurs amid a lingering leadership dispute within the SDP. A new National Working Committee led by Adamu Modibo was recently constituted during an emergency NEC meeting in Abuja, reportedly attended by representatives from 23 states and the Federal Capital Territory. Modibo, now serving as the party’s acting National Chairman, has pledged to reconcile warring factions by establishing a disciplinary and reconciliation committee aimed at restoring order.

However, the emergence of the new leadership has been strongly rejected by a faction loyal to Dr. Sadiq Abubakar. That camp, including National Secretary Dr. Olu Agunloye, has described the meeting as illegitimate and unconstitutional, cautioning state executives against participating in actions that may undermine the party’s constitution.

The leadership tussle has also led to a wave of suspensions and expulsions. On June 24, the former National Chairman, Shehu Gabam, along with other senior officials, was suspended by the party’s leadership over allegations of financial impropriety and unauthorized transactions. In a further escalation, the party expelled former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai for allegedly misrepresenting his political allegiance and campaigning under false pretenses in the state.

The party insists that these actions are grounded in the SDP’s constitution and the Electoral Act, which grants political parties exclusive authority to determine and regulate their membership.

Despite the internal strife, the SDP maintains that it is focused on pursuing justice through the courts and preparing its structure for participation in the upcoming electoral cycle.