The Social Democratic Party has taken legal action against the Independent National Electoral Commission following the commission’s reported rejection of its candidates for upcoming by-elections in twelve states.
In a statement issued on Sunday by National Publicity Secretary Araba Rufus Aiyenigba, the party accused INEC of overstepping its authority by refusing to recognize candidates duly nominated through party primaries.
“The SDP is already challenging INEC’s decision in court,” the statement read. “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.”
The party argued that both its candidates and those of the Labour Party were rejected based on claims of internal crises, despite a Supreme Court ruling affirming political parties’ autonomy in candidate selection.
“The Commission has no constitutional authority to determine the candidates of political parties or dictate the nomination process,” Aiyenigba emphasized. The legal battle comes amid deepening leadership turmoil within the SDP, which recently saw the dissolution of rival factions led by Alhaji Shehu Gabam and Dr. Sadiq Abubakar.
On July 25, 2025, a new National Working Committee emerged under Acting National Chairman Adamu Modibo following an emergency National Executive Committee meeting attended by 23 state chairmen. Modibo pledged reconciliation, stating, “We are drawing a line. A new disciplinary and reconciliation committee will be formed to unify the party and address misconduct.”
However, Dr. Abubakar’s faction rejected the development, with National Secretary Dr. Olu Agunloye calling the meeting “illegal and irregular.” Agunloye warned against constitutional breaches, revealing that some state chairmen had submitted affidavits to INEC disowning the meeting and alleging signature forgery.
The crisis has triggered suspensions, including that of former National Chairman Shehu Gabam on June 24, 2025, over alleged financial misconduct. The party also expelled former Kaduna Governor Nasir El-Rufai for 30 years, accusing him of false membership claims and anti-party activities.
“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. As the SDP navigates internal divisions and legal challenges, it maintains commitment to both judicial resolution and internal reconciliation efforts.
