Selection of Interim: SDP dragged Inec to court because of the rejection of the candidate

The Social Democratic Party (SDP) has begun a legal process against the Independent National Election Commission (Inec) due to alleged rejection that violates the law against its candidates for the election of this month in 12 states.

In a statement released on Sunday, the Secretary of the National Publication of the Party, Arafus Aiyenigba, said that SDP had filed a lawsuit that challenged Inec’s rejection to recognize candidates who were nominated through the main elections carried out in accordance with the party’s constitution and the Election Law.

“We trust justice to conduct justice by forcing the commission to accept our candidates, who are legally nominated,” said Aiyenigba, stating that Inec had acted Ultra Vires.

SDP further argues that the commission’s decision, reportedly based on internal disputes felt in the party, also influenced the Labor Party candidates. However, SDP stated that such actions violated the Supreme Court’s decision which upholds the autonomy of political parties in determining their candidates.

“The commission does not have constitutional authority to interfere in the internal process of the party or decide who their candidates are,” said Aiyenigba.

Legal actions come after the leadership crisis that widen in the party. On July 25, a party faction held a meeting of the National Emergency National Executive Committee (NEC) in Abuja, where 23 state leaders, including the Federal Capital Region, dissolved a rival faction led by Alhaji Shehu Gabam and Dr. Sadiq Abubakar. The meeting led the new National Work Committee (NWC) under the Acting Leadership Adamu Modibo.

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In his remarks, Modibo acknowledged the challenges that interfere with the party and announced plans to form a disciplinary and reconciliation committee to cure internal divisions. “We draw a line. It’s time to unite the party and overcome all forms of violations,” he said.

However, Dr. Sadiq Abubakar immediately rejected the development, labeling the non -constitutional NEC meeting. National Secretary Dr. Olu Agunloye, in line with the Abubakar camp, described the meeting as “illegal and irregular,” warning the country’s head of participating in what he called the party’s constitution violation.

Furthermore Agunloye claimed that several state leaders had submitted a statement of swearing to Inec to keep away from the meeting and accused the forgery of their signature in the trial.

The leadership crisis also triggered a wave of suspension and expulsion. On June 24, the NWC led by Gabam suspended former National Chair Shehu Gabam on charges of financial irregularities, including misuse of party funds and invalid transactions. Two other senior members, National Auditor Nze Nnadi Clarkson and National Youth Leader Uchhechukwu Chukwuma, were also suspended due to similar violations.

Furthermore, intensifying the crisis, last week’s party announced the expulsion of the former Governor of Kaduna State, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, for a period of 30 years. El-Rufai was accused of wrongly claiming SDP membership and promoting the interests of other political parties in the State of Kaduna.

According to Aiyenigba, El-Rufai failed to register formally at the environmental level although openly expressed his loyalty to SDP and associated with the leaders of the party being suspended. “His actions violated the SDP constitution and the Election Law, which gave the party -the authority to determine their membership,” said the party’s spokesman.

Apart from his internal challenges and sustainable legal confrontations with Inec, SDP stated that he remained committed to maintaining the rights of his candidates in court and pursuing internal reforms to restore stability and cohesion in his ranks.