LunagisthubSupreme Court Ruling: SDP Hails Victory, Warns INEC Against Interfering in Party Affairs
The Social Democratic Party (SDP) has welcomed the Supreme Court’s judgment dismissing the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) appeal on its leadership dispute. The party’s Acting National Chairman, Dr. Sadiq Gombe, described the ruling as a major victory for democracy, party autonomy, and the rule of law .
The Supreme Court’s decision reaffirms the long-settled legal position that the internal affairs of political parties are beyond the reach of the external interference. This decision is a significant boost for the SDP and all political parties in Nigeria, allowing them to manage their internal processes in line with their constitutions .
The SDP has urged INEC to fully comply with the judgment and stop meddling in the internal affairs of political parties. The commission is also expected to replace the name of expelled National Chairman, Shehu Gabam, with the duly recognized Acting leader .
The ruling has far-reaching implications for Nigeria’s democracy, as it sends a clear warning to INEC to refrain from actions capable of undermining multi-party democracy. The SDP’s lead counsel, Dr. Adewole Adebayo, emphasized that a multi-party democracy requires an umpire that is unbiased and does not foment crises within opposition parties .
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