The Social Democratic Party (SDP) has hailed the Supreme Court's judgment affirming the independence of political parties in managing their internal affairs as a landmark victory for Nigeria's democracy and the rule of law.
Addressing journalists at the party's headquarters in Abuja, Acting National Chairman Prof. Sadiq Umar Abubakar Gombe described the ruling as historic, not only for the SDP but for all registered political parties and the country's electoral system.
Gombe noted that the decision reaffirmed the judiciary as the ultimate arbiter of justice and fairness in a constitutional democracy, praising the Justices of the Supreme Court, Court of Appeal, and Federal High Court for their consistent judgments upholding the principle that internal affairs of political parties are governed by their constitutions.
The SDP chairman emphasized that no external authority has the right to interfere in the internal decision-making processes of political parties, saying the courts were unanimous on this point.
Reacting to the Independent National Electoral Commission's (INEC) role in the dispute, Gombe said the party understood the commission's concerns but stressed that administrative considerations must give way to constitutional provisions and judicial pronouncements.
Gombe urged INEC to accept the judgment and align its future conduct with the rule of law, calling on the commission to stop meddling in the internal affairs of political parties.
The SDP leader demanded that INEC cease dealings with suspended or expelled party members, warning that continued engagement would undermine internal party discipline and democratic norms.
Gombe specifically urged INEC to remove the name of suspended National Chairman Alhaji Shehu Musa Gabam from its records and replace it with his name as the duly recognised Acting National Chairman of the SDP.
The SDP hopes the Supreme Court ruling will usher in a new era of engagement between INEC and political parties, anchored on mutual respect, ethical conduct, and strict adherence to the law, strengthening democratic institutions and ensuring credible electoral processes in Nigeria.