The Social Democratic Party (SDP) has filed a lawsuit against the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), accusing the electoral body of unlawfully rejecting its candidates for upcoming by-elections in twelve states across Nigeria.
The development was made known in a statement issued on Sunday by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Araba Rufus Aiyenigba.
The SDP alleged that INEC acted outside its constitutional powers by refusing to recognise candidates who emerged from validly conducted primary elections. Aiyenigba stated that the party had approached the court to seek redress, expressing confidence that the judiciary would compel INEC to accept the SDP’s candidates, who were nominated in line with the provisions of the Electoral Act, the party’s constitution, and INEC guidelines.
The SDP further claimed that the rejection of its candidates, as well as those of the Labour Party, was based on alleged internal party crises. However, the party insisted that such justification contradicted a Supreme Court ruling which upholds the autonomy of political parties in the selection of candidates.
“INEC has no constitutional authority to dictate how parties select their flagbearers,” Aiyenigba said, adding that the Commission’s actions amounted to an attack on democratic principles and the rights of political associations.
The party’s legal battle with INEC comes amid internal disputes. The SDP has been plagued by a protracted leadership crisis, which recently culminated in the emergence of a new National Working Committee (NWC) led by Adamu Modibo. His appointment followed an emergency National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting held on July 25 in Abuja, reportedly attended by 23 state chairmen, including that of the Federal Capital Territory.
Speaking shortly after assuming office as Acting National Chairman, Modibo acknowledged the challenges facing the party and pledged to lead reconciliation efforts. He announced plans to establish a new disciplinary and reconciliation committee aimed at unifying the party and addressing internal misconduct.
However, the faction led by Dr. Sadiq Abubakar has dismissed the NEC meeting and Modibo’s leadership, describing the gathering as unconstitutional and unauthorised. Dr. Olu Agunloye, the National Secretary aligned with the Abubakar camp, criticised the process as illegal and warned state chairmen against engaging in activities that violate the party’s constitution. According to Agunloye, several state chairmen have submitted sworn affidavits to INEC, distancing themselves from the NEC meeting and accusing some members of forging their signatures.
The crisis further deepened following the suspension of the party’s former National Chairman, Shehu Gabam, on June 24. Gabam was accused by the then NWC of financial misconduct, misappropriation of funds, and unauthorised transactions. Along with him, National Auditor Nze Nnadi Clarkson and National Youth Leader Uchechukwu Chukwuma were also suspended on similar grounds.