The National Chairman of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Professor Sadiq Gombe, has expressed confidence in the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), describing the commission as a critical institution in Nigeria’s democratic process and commending its commitment to the rule of law.
Gombe stated this while briefing newsmen shortly after a close door with the leadership of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, in Abuja.
He said the SDP was satisfied with the outcome of the engagement and appreciated the assurances given by the electoral body regarding its commitment to constitutional and legal provisions governing political parties.
According to him, the meeting provided an opportunity for political parties to interact with the commission on matters affecting the nation’s democracy, adding that the discussions were cordial and productive.
He noted that the SDP delegation left the meeting encouraged by INEC’s position on respecting the independence of political parties and adhering to established legal procedures.
The SDP chairman revealed that the INEC Chairman informed party leaders that he had only recently returned from an official foreign trip and had just been briefed on recent developments relating to the SDP.
Gombe said the commission had assured stakeholders that it would carefully review all relevant documents and decisions before taking any action.
He stated that the party remained confident in INEC’s ability to act in accordance with the law, particularly given the commission’s responsibility as an impartial electoral umpire.
He added that the SDP had no reason to doubt the commission’s commitment to democratic principles and constitutional governance.
Gombe reiterated the party’s position that leadership matters within political parties are internal affairs to be determined by the parties themselves through their constitutional organs.
He maintained that the Supreme Court had consistently affirmed the principle that political parties possess the authority to regulate their internal affairs, including disciplinary matters and leadership decisions.
Addressing the ongoing leadership dispute within the SDP, Gombe said the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) acted within its constitutional powers in taking disciplinary measures against some members.
He explained that the actions followed recommendations from a disciplinary process established by the party and were carried out in accordance with the provisions of the SDP constitution.
The SDP chairman noted that the affected members were given opportunities to defend themselves before decisions were reached.
He further argued that the party’s constitution provides internal mechanisms for appealing disciplinary actions and maintained that those mechanisms were not exhausted by the affected individuals before they sought to challenge the decisions elsewhere.
Gombe also pointed to documents in the party’s possession, including certified records and reports relating to meetings monitored by INEC officials.
He said the commission had monitored key meetings of the party, including NEC sessions and verification exercises, and therefore possessed firsthand knowledge of the processes undertaken by the party’s leadership organs.
He stressed that the SDP remains committed to peaceful, lawful and democratic conduct in all its activities.
According to him, the party will continue to respect the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the Electoral Act and judicial pronouncements while working to strengthen democratic institutions in the country.
The SDP chairman further assured members and supporters that the party remains united in its commitment to due process and internal democracy.
He expressed optimism that all outstanding issues would ultimately be resolved through lawful means and in accordance with the party’s constitution.
Gombe concluded by reaffirming the SDP’s readiness to cooperate with INEC and other democratic institutions in advancing credible electoral processes. He said the party would continue to support efforts aimed at deepening democracy, strengthening political institutions and promoting good governance in Nigeria.
