INEC Rejects Appointment of SDP Acting Chairman, Questions Constitutionality of Leadership Change
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has rejected the appointment of Dr. Sadiq Abubakar as Acting National Chairman of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), citing violations of its regulatory guidelines and inconsistencies in the documentation submitted by the party. In a letter dated July 5, 2025, addressed to the party’s National Secretary, INEC stated that the notification of Dr. Abubakar’s appointment, which was contained in a letter dated June 25, failed to meet the requirements of Part 2, Section 12.3 of the 2022 Regulations and Guidelines for Political Parties. The commission also questioned the authenticity of the signature on the letter, stating that it did not match the signature on file for the party official who purportedly signed the document. INEC has requested confirmation and clarification from the substantive National Chairman, Alhaji Shehu Musa Gabam, regarding the validity of the appointment letter and the circumstances surrounding it. The move by INEC follows the announcement by a faction of the SDP’s National Working Committee (NWC) that it had suspended Gabam, along with the National Auditor, Nze Nnadi Clarkson, and the National Youth Leader, Uchechukwu Chukwuma, over allegations of financial impropriety. The faction, in its communication to INEC, accused the suspended officers of mismanaging over ₦1 billion in party funds and announced Dr. Abubakar as the new acting leader. However, INEC’s rejection of the appointment has now thrown the legitimacy of the faction’s action into question and reaffirmed Gabam’s recognition as the lawful leader of the party. Reacting to the development, Alhaji Gabam dismissed the allegations and described the purported suspension and appointment as unconstitutional and orchestrated by a few disgruntled members within the party. In a statement released by his media office, he identified former Minister Dr. Olu Agunloye as the key figure behind the move, alleging an attempt to destabilize the party for selfish interests. Gabam stated that there is no leadership crisis within the party and warned that any attempt to hijack its structures through illegal means would not be tolerated. He condemned the actions of the faction, including plans to convene an unauthorized National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting and efforts to remove state party chairmen. According to Gabam, such moves are null and void as they lack constitutional backing. He reaffirmed his commitment to upholding the rule of law, transparency, and internal democracy within the SDP, adding that the party is not for sale and remains focused on its vision ahead of the 2027 general elections. INEC’s rejection of the appointment is seen as a significant intervention aimed at preserving due process in political party administration. Political analysts say the development could trigger a legal challenge if the crisis is not resolved internally, potentially affecting the party’s unity and preparations for future electoral engagements.
