The Social Democratic Party (SDP) has taken the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to court for rejecting its candidates in the upcoming by-elections in twelve states across Nigeria, Dockaysworld reports.
The party made this known in a statement on Sunday by its National Publicity Secretary, Araba Rufus Aiyenigba.
According to him, INEC went beyond its powers by refusing to accept candidates who were properly selected through the party’s official 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 also claimed that INEC rejected both its candidates and those of the Labour Party over alleged internal party problems. But the SDP said this excuse goes against a Supreme Court ruling which allows political parties to choose their own candidates without interference.
“INEC has no right to decide who a party chooses to contest elections,” Aiyenigba said, describing the Commission’s action as an attack on democracy and political freedom.
The court case comes amid an ongoing internal crisis within the SDP, including a leadership case that recently produced a new National Working Committee led by Adamu Modibo. The party chieftain was appointed during an emergency meeting of the party’s National Executive Committee held in Abuja on July 25, which was said to have been attended by 23 state chairmen.
After taking over as Acting National Chairman, Modibo acknowledged the challenges facing the party and pledged to foster unity. He announced plans to form a new disciplinary and reconciliation committee to address misconduct and unite all members.
However, another faction led by Dr. Sadiq Abubakar rejected the NEC meeting and Modibo’s leadership. Dr. Olu Agunloye, the National Secretary loyal to Abubakar’s group, called the meeting illegal and warned state party leaders not to join actions that go against the party’s rules. Agunloye added that some state chairmen had written to INEC under oath, saying they were not part of the meeting and that their names were used without permission.
The crisis grew worse when the party’s former National Chairman, Shehu Gabam, was suspended on June 24. He was accused of misusing party funds and carrying out unauthorised financial transactions. Two other party officials—National Auditor Nze Nnadi Clarkson and National Youth Leader Uchechukwu Chukwuma—were also suspended for similar reasons.
