SDP Urges INEC to Maintain Leadership Status Quo

The Social Democratic Party (SDP) issued a statement on Friday, urging the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to refrain from taking action on its leadership tussle while an appeal is pending. This appeal arises from a recent Federal High Court judgment, which the party is contesting.

Rufu Aiyenigba, the party's spokesman, explained that the judgment has already been challenged in court, asserting that the Supreme Court has previously held that it lacks jurisdiction to determine the leadership of political parties, including the SDP. The party maintains that the Federal High Court's judgment does not compel INEC to recognize any individual as the party's national chairman or national secretary.

The SDP calls for INEC to retain the existing leadership arrangement until the appellate court resolves the matter. The party's leadership includes Shehu Gabam as national chairman and Ogbonna Okechukwu as national secretary.

Additionally, the SDP's national executive committee met on July 9 to strengthen its internal democratic processes and prepare for the 2027 general elections, nominating Adewol Adebayo as presidential candidate and Usman Bugaji as vice presidential candidate.