By-elections: SDP kicks against rejection of candidates, heads to Court

The Social Democratic Party (SDP) has kicked against the rejection of its candidates by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in the forthcoming bye-elections in some constituencies across 12 states of the federation, describing the move as illegal and unconstitutional.

In a statement made available to newsmen in Abuja on Sunday by its National Publicity Secretary, Araba Rufus Ayenigba, the party expressed optimism that the rejected candidates would fully participate in the exercise, as the unlawful decision was already being challenged in court.

The Commission had reportedly rejected the party’s candidates alongside those of the Labour Party, citing internal crises in the two political parties.

However, the party dismissed INEC’s claim, saying that the candidates were validly nominated for the bye-elections in the affected constituencies in the 12 states, through properly conducted primaries in accordance with the SDP Constitution, the Electoral Act, and INEC regulations.

According to it, “it has to be noted, however, that the Commission acted against the ruling of the Supreme Court to have rejected our candidates or those of any other political party.

“The Commission has no such powers to determine the candidates of political parties or dictate the process by which political parties will nominate their candidates

“The SDP is already challenging the decision of INEC in court on this unlawful action.

“We trust the court to do justice to get the Commission to admit the Candidates of SDP, because the party validly nominated its candidates for the bye-elections in the affected constituencies in the twelve states, through properly conducted primaries in accordance with the SDP Constitution and the Electoral Act and INEC regulations.”

The candidates of the SDP and Labour Party were reportedly rejected on the grounds that the two political parties have internal crises.

The party, at a stakeholders’ meeting held in Abuja on Thursday, clarified that there was no crisis in its fold as being speculated and declared that it remained a formidable political party to beat in the upcoming 2027 general elections.

Addressing the stakeholders’ meeting, its Acting National Chairman, Dr. Sadiq Abubakar Gombe, assured that concerted efforts were being made by its leadership to stabilise the party and reposition it as a credible alternative for Nigerians ahead of the 2027 general elections.

He stated that the party leadership was committed to realigning its structures, strengthening internal cohesion, and building “a platform that reflects honesty, sincerity, and national interest.”

According to him, “our mission is to provide Nigeria with a credible platform as an alternative come 2027 and we will not disappoint the masses who are yearning for our Party

“The leadership of the party is doing everything necessary to stabilize the party and to ensure that, by 2027, we will be ready to take the first major step in giving Nigerians the leadership they deserve.”

He acknowledged that the party had faced challenges in recent months but insisted that stakeholders were now united in charting a new course.

According to him, “the SDP is focusing on assessing and understanding the political landscape, analyzing its direction, and creating a roadmap that will earn the party public acceptance.”

Dr. Abubakar also appealed to the media and party supporters for continued cooperation, emphasising that the SDP was not only working to rebuild itself but also to contribute meaningfully to national stability and democratic growth in the country.

According to him, “we are very sorry for the setbacks the party has faced in the past, but we are taking full responsibility and working to ensure that we move the SDP forward as a party of ideas, ideals, and solutions.”

He added that the party would engage Nigerians in dialogue and consultations to develop policies that will address the unprecedented challenges facing the country, stressing that the SDP intends to play a central role in shaping Nigeria’s political future.

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Speaking earlier, the National Woman Leader of the party, Hajiya Sa’adatu Abubakar, clarified that there was no crisis in the party, saying that the seeming crisis was a normal routine occurrence in all political parties, and the leadership of the party was committed to putting its house in order ahead of the general elections.

According to her, “SDP remains a Party to beat come 2027 despite our seeming differences, necessary measures are being taken to address our identified differences, one of such steps is this Stakeholders meeting which is being attended by our leaders from all the States of the Federation and the Federal Capital Territory FCT, Abuja.”

Some of the stakeholders in attendance included the Acting National Chairman, National Secretary, Dr. Olu Agunloye; National Deputy Chairman (South), Senator Ugochukwu Uba; Dr. Hamza Al-Mustapha, a former presidential aspirant; Araba Rufus Ayenigba, National Publicity Secretary; Hon. Femi Olaniyi, Chairman of Chairmen; and other party chieftains across the country.

The National Publicity Secretary of the party, Araba Rufus Ayenigba, however, promised to brief the media on the outcome of the stakeholders’ meeting later.

The party had been engulfed in a lingering crisis in recent times, which led to the suspension of its National Chairman, Alhaji Shehu Musa Gabam, and two other national officers. They rejected the action and described their suspension as illegal and unconstitutional.

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