By Rafiyat Sadiq
The Social Democratic Party (SDP) has taken legal action against the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) following the Commission’s rejection of its candidates for the forthcoming by-elections scheduled to be held across twelve states.
In a statement released on Sunday by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Araba Rufus Aiyenigba, the SDP accused INEC of overstepping its mandate by disqualifying candidates who emerged from primaries conducted in line with the party’s constitution and electoral guidelines.
“The SDP has approached the court to seek redress and to compel INEC to accept our duly nominated candidates,” the statement read. “These nominations were conducted in compliance with the Electoral Act, INEC regulations, and the party’s internal processes.”
Aiyenigba noted that the rejection reportedly affected both SDP and Labour Party candidates, with INEC citing alleged internal disputes within the affected parties. However, the SDP insists that the electoral body acted contrary to established legal precedent, particularly a Supreme Court ruling which upholds the right of political parties to determine their candidates.
“The Commission has no constitutional authority to interfere in the internal affairs of parties or dictate who qualifies to contest on their platforms,” Aiyenigba stated.
Prolonged Leadership Crisis Fuels Tensions
The development comes amid a leadership dispute within the SDP, which has seen multiple factions struggle for control. The conflict reached a turning point on July 25, 2025, when a new National Working Committee (NWC) emerged under the leadership of Adamu Modibo following an emergency National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting in Abuja.
The gathering, attended by chairmen from 23 states, including the Federal Capital Territory, saw Modibo installed as Acting National Chairman.
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Speaking after his appointment, Modibo acknowledged the challenges facing the party and pledged to steer it towards unity. “We are setting a new tone for reconciliation and discipline,” he said, adding that a committee would be formed to address misconduct and unify all aggrieved factions.
However, the rival faction led by Dr Sadiq Abubakar swiftly rejected the legitimacy of the NEC meeting. National Secretary Dr. Olu Agunloye, aligned with Abubakar, dismissed the gathering as unconstitutional and unauthorised. He warned party officials to refrain from actions that violate the SDP’s constitution.
Agunloye further claimed that some state chairmen had submitted sworn affidavits to INEC, disowning the meeting and alleging that their names and signatures were used without consent.
Suspensions and Expulsions Deepen Crisis
The internal discord has led to multiple suspensions. On June 24, 2025, the NWC faction led by Shehu Gabam suspended the former national chairman himself, citing alleged financial misconduct and unauthorised financial dealings. National Auditor Nze Nnadi Clarkson and National Youth Leader Uchechukwu Chukwuma were also suspended over similar allegations.
In a separate development, the party announced the expulsion of former Kaduna State Governor Mallam Nasir El-Rufai from the SDP for a period of 30 years. The party accused El-Rufai of misrepresenting his membership and working in the interest of another political party.
According to Aiyenigba, El-Rufai failed to register with the party at the ward level, a key requirement for membership. Despite public claims of affiliation with the SDP, the party maintains that El-Rufai never fulfilled the necessary criteria and had been associating with individuals suspended from the party.
“His conduct is in clear violation of both the party’s constitution and provisions of the Electoral Act which protect a party’s right to determine its membership,” the statement said.
Despite the mounting internal rifts and legal challenges, the SDP says it remains determined to pursue justice through the courts and to restore cohesion within its ranks ahead of the upcoming by-elections.
Rafiyat Sadiq is a political, justice, and human rights reporter with Pinnacle Daily, known for fearless reporting and impactful storytelling. At Pinnacle Daily, she brings clarity and depth to issues shaping governance, democracy, and the protection of citizens’ rights.
