By Abimbola Ajayi
The Social Democratic Party (SDP) has said it has met all regulatory requirements set by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), following a recent verification exercise of its structures and leadership.
The party’s National Chairman, Professor Sadiq Gombe, disclosed this on Tuesday while briefing journalists at the SDP national secretariat in Abuja, describing the exercise as comprehensive and affirming the legitimacy of the party’s leadership.
According to Gombe, an 11-member INEC delegation reviewed the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC), National Working Committee (NWC), and administrative framework.
He said the process involved physical identification of party officials, inspection of financial records, verification of staff roles, and confirmation of the party’s presence across the country, in line with legal requirements.
“We had full representation of our NEC members, including state chairmen from all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory. This demonstrates our unity and compliance with the law,” he said.
Gombe added that INEC officials also examined the party’s membership register in both electronic and hard copy formats, as well as documents relating to its headquarters and financial operations.
He said the party had fulfilled statutory obligations under the Electoral Act, including maintaining functional offices in at least two-thirds of Nigeria’s states.
The SDP chairman also noted that political parties are required to submit updated membership registers to INEC by 9 May 2026, ahead of primary elections scheduled to conclude on 30 May.
Leadership dispute and legal backing
On internal party matters, Gombe maintained that decisions taken by the party’s NEC remain binding, citing Supreme Court rulings that recognise internal party affairs as the exclusive domain of political parties.
He said the current leadership emerged from a NEC meeting held in March 2025, which, according to him, was duly constituted and monitored by INEC.
The chairman’s remarks come amid ongoing scrutiny of internal party alignments and defections ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Responding to questions on the alleged association of Senator Wadaa with another political party, the SDP National Publicity Secretary, Rufus Aiyenigba, said the party had not received any formal resignation from the lawmaker.
“As of today, no formal resignation has been communicated to the party,” Mr Aiyenigba said, adding that Nigerian law does not permit dual party membership.
“Until the proper process is followed, he remains a member of the SDP,” he said, noting that the issue is under review by the party’s legal team.
He also referenced a recent Supreme Court ruling which, he said, resolved disputes involving the party, including a governorship case, in its favour.
Looking ahead to 2027
Gombe expressed confidence in the party’s preparedness for the 2027 elections, citing ongoing membership registration and support from state and zonal structures.
“We are not taking anything for granted. We remain committed to the growth of the party and the progress of our democracy,” he said.
He also urged the media to report the party’s activities accurately, reaffirming the SDP’s commitment to democratic principles and national development.
