The Supreme Court dismisses INEC’s appeal against the SDP, affirming the party’s autonomy in internal affairs and awarding N2m costs against the commission
The Social Democratic Party (SDP) has urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to refrain from meddling in its internal affairs following a landmark Supreme Court ruling.
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In a unanimous decision, the apex court dismissed INEC’s appeal against the SDP’s leadership, describing the case as lacking merit and purely academic.
The court also awarded N2 million in costs against the commission.
Speaking at a press conference in Abuja, Acting National Chairman of the SDP, Sadiq Gombe, hailed the ruling as a victory for democracy, party autonomy, and the rule of law.
“This decision reaffirms that the internal affairs of political parties are for the parties alone to determine,” he said.
Lead counsel to the SDP and 2023 presidential candidate, Adewole Adebayo, warned that INEC must respect the independence of all political parties.
He emphasised that the SDP had no leadership crisis and that its national officers were validly in office.
“The courts have made it clear: INEC has no authority to interfere in the SDP’s internal leadership changes,” Adebayo said, noting that the commission’s persistence ultimately cost Nigerian taxpayers ₦2 million.
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The SDP reiterated that the judgment reinforces party supremacy and sends a strong message against undue interference by regulatory bodies, highlighting its importance ahead of the 2027 elections.
