SDP Urges INEC to Hold Off on Leadership Actions

The Social Democratic Party (SDP) has issued a statement urging the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to await the outcome of an appeal concerning its leadership following a Federal High Court judgment delivered on June 24. Rufu Aiyenigba, the party's spokesman, explained that the judgment is currently being challenged in court and should not be relied upon for decisions regarding the party's leadership.

The SDP contends that the Federal High Court lacked jurisdiction to determine the leadership of political parties, as established by the Supreme Court. The party maintains that the judgment does not authorize INEC to recognize any individual as the party's national chairman or secretary.

The SDP calls for INEC to maintain the current leadership arrangement until the appeal is resolved. Additionally, the party's executive committee met on July 9 to strengthen its internal democratic processes and prepare for the upcoming 2027 general elections, nominating Adewol Adebayo as its presidential candidate and Dr. Usman Bugaji as the vice-presidential candidate.