2027: Why the INEC Portal Cannot Confirm Authentic Party Leadership – SDP’s Gombe Case

Professor Sadiq Gombe, the national chairman of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), clarified that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has no authority to verify the leadership of Nigeria’s political parties.

Gombe made the remarks on Tuesday following INEC’s consultative meeting with party leaders nationwide.

He said it was a mistake to tie the party’s leadership dispute to the electoral body’s online portal.

“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 chairman stated.

The SDP also defended the expulsion of several members, including Shehu Musa Gaban, asserting that the action followed due process and received approval from 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 SDP, the expelled members failed to use the internal appeal mechanisms outlined 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,” Gombe added.

Gombe expressed confidence that INEC would act in accordance 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,” he said.

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

It 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 the SDP’s former chairman continues to claim control over the party’s leadership.