Nigeria SDP condemns INEC appeal of 2027 election timetable rulings

Social Democratic Party (SDP) National Chairman Prof. Sadiq Gombe told journalists that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has no authority to appeal recent Federal High Court judgments that struck down parts of the timetable for the 2027 general elections. Gombe argued the rulings will give political parties and candidates more time to prepare, stating, “INEC has no right to appeal the ruling because of the timing of the election.”

He also emphasized that disputes over party leadership are internal matters, noting Supreme Court precedents that affirm parties decide their own leadership and that INEC’s portal does not determine party chairmen. The SDP criticised INEC’s appeal as unnecessary and warned it could disrupt primaries, nominations, voter education and logistics. INEC Chairman Joash Amupitan said the appeal seeks clarity on the commission’s constitutional powers.

The controversy follows the SDP’s own internal disciplinary actions, including the expulsion of former chairman Shehu Musa Gabam, which the party says followed due process under its constitution.