The Social Democratic Party (SDP) has welcomed the Supreme Court’s recent decision that confirms political parties have the right to manage their own internal matters without outside interference. The party sees this ruling as a major win for Nigeria’s democracy and the rule of law.
At a press briefing in Abuja, the Acting National Chairman, Prof. Sadiq Umar Abubakar Gombe, said the judgment is historic not just for the SDP but for all political parties and the country’s election system.
He emphasized that the courts, including the Supreme Court, Court of Appeal, and Federal High Court, have consistently ruled that political parties must follow their own constitutions and that no external body should interfere in their internal decisions.
Gombe acknowledged the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) concerns but stressed that constitutional rules and court decisions must come first. He urged INEC to accept the ruling clearly and act according to the law in the future.
He also called on INEC to stop interfering in party matters, pointing out that the Supreme Court has settled the issue once and for all. According to Gombe, INEC must respect the decisions of the SDP’s National Working Committee (NWC), which is the official body in charge of running the party, including handling appointments and disciplinary actions like suspensions or expulsions.
Finally, Gombe warned INEC to stop dealing with suspended or expelled members, saying that continuing to do so would weaken party discipline and harm democratic practices.
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