The Social Democratic Party (SDP) has dragged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to court following the Commission’s reported refusal to recognise its candidates for the upcoming by-elections in twelve states.

In a statement on Sunday, the SDP National Publicity Secretary, Araba Rufus Aiyenigba, described INEC’s decision as an overreach, insisting that its candidates emerged through duly conducted primaries.

“The SDP is already challenging INEC’s decision in court. We trust the judiciary to do justice by compelling the Commission to admit the SDP’s candidates, as they were validly nominated in accordance with the party’s constitution, the Electoral Act, and INEC regulations,” Aiyenigba said.

The party also argued that INEC’s action, which reportedly affected both its candidates and those of the Labour Party over alleged internal crises, contradicts a Supreme Court ruling that affirms the autonomy of political parties in selecting their candidates.

“The Commission has no constitutional authority to determine the candidates of political parties or dictate the nomination process,” Aiyenigba stressed.

The lawsuit comes amid a lingering leadership crisis in the SDP. On July 25, 2025, a new National Working Committee (NWC) led by Adamu Modibo emerged during an emergency National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting in Abuja, attended by 23 state chairmen, including that of the Federal Capital Territory.

Modibo, now the Acting National Chairman, pledged efforts to reconcile within the party. “We are drawing a line. A new disciplinary and reconciliation committee will be formed to unify the party and address misconduct,” he said.

However, Dr. Sadiq Abubakar’s faction rejected the development, describing the NEC meeting as unconstitutional. National Secretary Dr. Olu Agunloye, aligned with the Abubakar camp, labelled the meeting “illegal and irregular,” warning state chairmen against actions that breach the party’s constitution.

The crisis has triggered multiple suspensions within the party. On June 24, 2025, the Gabam-led NWC suspended its former National Chairman, Shehu Gabam, alongside National Auditor Nze Nnadi Clarkson and National Youth Leader Uchechukwu Chukwuma, over alleged financial misconduct and unauthorised transactions.

Adding to the turmoil, the SDP last week announced a 30-year expulsion of former Kaduna State Governor, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, accusing him of falsely claiming party membership while promoting another political party in Kaduna State.

“The NWC has determined that his conduct violates the SDP Constitution and the Electoral Act, which grants political parties exclusive rights to determine their membership,” Aiyenigba stated.

Despite the internal divisions, the SDP insists it is focused on securing justice in the courts and unifying its ranks ahead of the polls.