SDP: Party leadership not determined by INEC portal

By Henry Umoru

ABUJA — The National Working Committee (NWC) of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) has clarified that the leadership of a political party is determined by its own internal structures, not by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) portal.

Speaking to journalists on Tuesday in Abuja after a meeting between INEC and leaders of registered political parties, SDP National Chairman Professor Sadiq Gombe said the party had expelled former National Chairman Shehu Gabam and three other officials over alleged disciplinary infractions.

He explained that matters of party leadership fall strictly within the jurisdiction of political parties, a position consistently upheld by the Supreme Court.

“It is not about the INEC portal. The Supreme Court has separately ruled on this issue. INEC’s portal does not determine who the chairman of a political party is; that responsibility lies with the party through its recognised organs,” he said.

Gombe noted that the SDP’s National Executive Committee (NEC) and NWC remain the highest decision‑making bodies of the party, adding that the NWC has been reduced from 15 to 11 members following disciplinary actions.

He said one of the affected officials, the party’s National Auditor, resigned and apologized, while the remaining three, including Gabam, were expelled after a disciplinary process he described as due.

According to him, the expelled members failed to appear before the disciplinary committee and did not use the internal conflict‑resolution mechanisms provided under the party constitution.

He cited Article 19(c) of the SDP Constitution, which allows aggrieved members to appeal disciplinary decisions within five working days.

Gombe maintained that the party has documentary evidence, including a Certified True Copy of a Supreme Court judgment and INEC‑related documentation, supporting its current leadership structure.

He also expressed confidence in INEC’s leadership to uphold the rule of law and respect the internal affairs of political parties.

On reconciliation, he said the party remained open to members willing to retrace their steps and comply with party rules.

“If a member repents, realises his mistakes and seeks to make amends, there is nothing wrong with that,” he said, adding that the party remains focused on strengthening its structure.

Reacting to INEC’s decision to appeal a Federal High Court judgment on election timelines, Gombe said litigation was unnecessary, arguing that the ruling would allow political parties more time for preparation and campaigns.

“To some of us, there is no need for INEC to appeal,” he added.

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