2027: Why INEC portal doesn’t guarantee authentic party leadership – SDP’s Gombe

Professor Sadiq Gombe, the national chairman of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), has explained why the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, has no role authenticating Nigeria’s political parties’ leadership.

Gombe disclosed on Tuesday after INEC’s consultative meeting with party leaders across the country.

He noted that linking the party’s leadership dispute to the electoral body’s portal was misplaced.

“The issue of party leadership is an exclusive preserve of the political party to decide on its leadership. The Supreme Court has separately ruled in this respect. So it’s not about the INEC portal. The INEC portal doesn’t determine who is chairman of a political party,” the party stated.

The SDP also defended the expulsion of some members, including Shehu Musa Gaban, saying the action followed due process and was approved by the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC).

“This expulsion followed due process through the NEC and a disciplinary committee where they were given a fair hearing,” the party said.

According to the party, the affected members failed to take advantage of internal appeal mechanisms provided in its constitution.

“Neither Shehu Gabam, Ogechukwu, nor the others followed due process of the party constitution to appeal their expulsion or suspension. Neither did they go to any court of competent jurisdiction to set aside that expulsion,” Gambe added.

The SDP chairman expressed confidence that INEC would act in line with the law after reviewing documents related to the dispute.

“We are confident in the ability of INEC to do the needful. We are not doubting their competence and commitment to the rule of law and to the independence of political parties, particularly as it affects their internal affairs,”

It further disclosed that it had submitted certified copies of the Supreme Court judgment and NEC report to support its position.

The party welcomed the assurances given by the INEC chairman regarding the commission’s commitment to the rule of law and respect for the internal affairs of political parties.

“We are happy that the INEC chairman reiterated their commitment to the rule of law, their commitment to respecting parties irrespective of their internal affairs,” the SDP said.

The development comes as SDP’s former chairman still lay claim on controlling the party’s leadership.