In a decisive verdict for Nigeria's political landscape, the Supreme Court has dismissed an appeal by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) against the Social Democratic Party (SDP) and imposed a fine of ₦2 million on the electoral umpire. The ruling, delivered on Friday, 19 December 2025, has been hailed by former SDP presidential candidate, Barrister Adewole Adebayo, as a critical victory for democracy and the rule of law.
A Watershed Moment for Democracy
Addressing journalists shortly after the judgment, Adebayo described the apex court's decision as a watershed moment. He emphasized that the ruling conclusively ends INEC's attempts to dictate the leadership structure of the SDP. "This judgment is not only a victory for the SDP; it is a victory for all political parties in Nigeria and for the rule of law," Adebayo stated. He pointed out that INEC has now been instructed by the High Court, Court of Appeal, and Supreme Court to cease interfering in the internal affairs of political parties.
Adebayo accused INEC of fueling instability within opposition parties through the selective recognition of party leaders. He argued that such actions fundamentally weaken the country's multiparty system. "A multiparty democracy requires an unbiased umpire," he said. "Most of the crises you see in opposition parties today are made possible because INEC interferes where it has no constitutional authority."
The Root of the Dispute
The legal battle originated from an internal leadership change within the SDP, conducted in line with the party's constitution. Adebayo explained that the party duly appointed an acting national chairman and acting national secretary, informing INEC of the changes. These acting officials even signed nomination documents for party candidates.
However, INEC refused to recognize the acting leadership, choosing instead to engage with a former national chairman who had been removed by the party. "That was completely unlawful," Adebayo asserted. "The courts agreed that the SDP had the right to change its leadership and authorise its acting officers to act for the party." INEC suffered defeats at both the High Court and the Court of Appeal before its final appeal was struck out by the Supreme Court.
Consequences and a Call for Reform
The imposition of the ₦2 million fine on INEC is a significant aspect of the judgment. Adebayo noted that while taxpayers would ultimately bear this cost, it served as a necessary lesson. "INEC must learn to leave political parties alone," he warned.
Adebayo stressed that a healthy democracy cannot exist if opposition parties are crippled by administrative interference. "If only the ruling party exists, there will be no democracy," he cautioned. "INEC must ensure that all political parties are allowed to function freely so Nigerians can genuinely choose between the government and the opposition."
He also called on the new leadership of INEC to break from the past, referencing that the former INEC chairman had been cited for contempt by superior courts on multiple occasions. "The new leadership must ensure that such a pattern does not continue," Adebayo urged.
The SDP's national leadership, including members of the National Working Committee, witnessed the judgment at the Supreme Court. Adebayo reaffirmed the party's commitment to operating strictly within its constitution and expressed gratitude to the judiciary for upholding constitutional principles. "This judgment strengthens our democracy and reinforces the independence of political parties," he concluded.
