By Henry Umoru
ABUJA — The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has uploaded the name of Professor Sadiq Abubakar Gombe as the National Chairman of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), in compliance with a Supreme Court judgment affirming the party’s autonomy in managing its internal affairs.
With the development, Professor Gombe replaces Shehu Musa Gabam, the party’s expelled national chairman, whose name had earlier been restored by INEC based on a Court of Appeal judgment.
The electoral commission also removed the names of other expelled party members from its records on Wednesday, a move the SDP described as a demonstration of respect for the rule of law and the authority of the Supreme Court.
In a statement issued by the SDP National Publicity Secretary, Araba Rufus Aiyenigba, the party said the resolution of its leadership dispute had strengthened its position ahead of the 2027 general elections.
According to the statement, the party has now overcome what it described as an externally induced leadership crisis and is firmly positioned for future electoral contests.
The SDP also praised INEC for recognising the party’s constitutional right to determine its leadership and manage its internal affairs without external interference.
The statement read in part: “Having finally overcome and laid to rest the externally induced leadership crisis, the party now stands on a strong pedestal of sustainable stability and is well positioned for the 2027 general elections with its presidential candidate, Prince Adewole Adebayo.
“The decision of INEC to respect the rule of law and judicial authorities, particularly in this instance, is widely commended by Nigerians, especially members of the SDP nationwide.”
The party noted that the Supreme Court had clearly ruled that neither the courts nor INEC possess the authority to interfere in the internal affairs of political parties, including the selection of leaders and disciplinary processes.
The SDP expressed hope that INEC would continue to uphold its independence and engage political parties in a manner consistent with democratic principles.
“It is our expectation that INEC will use this moment to turn a new leaf and work cooperatively and respectfully not only with the SDP but with all political parties, in a manner that demonstrates that the word ‘Independent’ in INEC is not merely symbolic,” the statement added.
The party further pledged to continue working with Nigerians and democratic institutions to deepen democracy, tackle poverty and insecurity, and promote good governance.
Professor Gombe and members of the SDP National Working Committee (NWC) assured party members and the public that the party would remain committed to advancing democratic consolidation and promoting policies aimed at improving the welfare of Nigerians.
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