The Social Democratic Party (SDP) has hailed a recent Supreme Court decision as a major win for Nigerian democracy, calling it a firm affirmation of the rule of law. The judgment, delivered on Friday, December 19, 2025, solidifies the independence of political parties in managing their internal affairs without external interference.
A Landmark Victory for Democracy
Addressing the press at the party's national headquarters in Abuja, the SDP's Acting National Chairman, Prof. Sadiq Umar Abubakar Gombe, described the ruling as historic. He stated that its significance extends beyond the SDP to benefit all registered political parties and the nation's entire electoral framework.
Gombe emphasized that the judgment powerfully reaffirms the judiciary's role as the ultimate guardian of justice and fairness within Nigeria's constitutional democracy. He praised the justices of the Supreme Court, the Court of Appeal, and the Federal High Court for their consistent stance.
"The courts have been unanimous," Gombe noted, "in upholding the fundamental principle that a political party's internal affairs are strictly governed by its own constitution. No external authority has the right to interfere in these internal decision-making processes."
Direct Demand for INEC Compliance
Reacting specifically to the role of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in the prior dispute, the SDP chairman acknowledged the commission's concerns but was unequivocal in his demand. He stressed that administrative considerations must always yield to constitutional provisions and binding judicial pronouncements.
Gombe called on INEC to accept the Supreme Court's judgment with clarity and to immediately align its future operations with the rule of law. "The Supreme Court has now conclusively settled this matter," he declared. "INEC must cease meddling in the internal affairs of political parties."
He insisted that the commission must recognise and respect the authority of the SDP's National Working Committee (NWC), which is the body constitutionally empowered to oversee the party's daily administration. This includes appointments and disciplinary actions such as the suspension or expulsion of members at all levels.
Immediate Actions Required from INEC
Prof. Gombe made specific demands for immediate action from the electoral body:
- INEC must stop all dealings with suspended or expelled party members. Continued engagement with such individuals, he warned, would seriously undermine internal party discipline and established democratic norms.
- In a pointed directive, he urged INEC to promptly remove the name of the suspended National Chairman, Alhaji Shehu Musa Gabam, from its official records.
- The commission should replace it with his own name as the duly recognised Acting National Chairman of the SDP.
Hope for a New Era of Engagement
The SDP leader expressed optimism that this Supreme Court ruling would mark the beginning of a new and more productive relationship between INEC and all political parties. He envisions this engagement being anchored on mutual respect, ethical conduct, and strict adherence to the law.
Gombe concluded that such a relationship is absolutely critical for strengthening Nigeria's democratic institutions and ensuring credible, transparent electoral processes in the future. He extended gratitude to the judiciary for its "courageous defence of constitutionalism" and called on all stakeholders to respect the judgment in the supreme interest of democracy and national stability.
