Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Bornet .k
The Social Democratic Party (SDP) has called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the judiciary to remain vigilant against what it described as attempts by certain individuals to unlawfully take control of the party's leadership and candidate selection processes. The party said it was determined to protect its internal democratic structures ahead of the 2026 Osun State governorship election and the 2027 general elections.
The warning was issued on Wednesday, 22 July 2026, in Abuja, where the party's National Working Committee (NWC) presented the Certified True Copy (CTC) of a Federal High Court judgment. According to the SDP, the court affirmed Salawu-Adeniyi Mustapha Olaitan as the party's duly elected governorship candidate for the 2026 Osun State governorship election, bringing to an end the dispute over the party's candidate.
Speaking to journalists, SDP National Chairman, Prof. Sadiq Umar Abubakar Gombe, said the court judgment had resolved the controversy surrounding the Osun governorship ticket and blocked what he described as attempts by expelled members to regain influence through what he termed "backdoor" methods. He maintained that the ruling confirmed the legitimacy of the party's current leadership and candidate.
Gombe accused a group led by the party's expelled former National Chairman, Alhaji Shehu Musa Gabam, and expelled former National Youth Leader, Uchechukwu Chukwuma, of interfering in the affairs of the party despite their removal from office. He urged both INEC and the judiciary to guard against actions that could undermine the electoral process or create confusion within the party.
The SDP chairman also alleged financial misconduct against the expelled officials, claiming they collected money from aspirants seeking party nomination forms through personal accounts instead of the party's officially designated accounts. He further alleged that some aspirants were instructed to make payments outside the recognised financial channels of the party, describing the practice as irregular and unacceptable.
According to Gombe, following their removal from office, the affected individuals resorted to protests and social media campaigns in an attempt to challenge the party's leadership. He advised Nigerians and prospective members to conduct all official transactions only through the SDP National Secretariat or recognised National Working Committee officials to avoid falling victim to unauthorised individuals.
Looking ahead to the 2027 general elections, the SDP chairman said the party remained united and prepared to offer Nigerians what he described as a credible political alternative. He stressed that members of the National Working Committee were committed to working together irrespective of their ethnic or state backgrounds, adding that the party's focus remained on democratic governance and national development.
The latest development comes as political parties continue preparations for upcoming elections, with internal leadership disputes and candidate selection processes expected to play a significant role in shaping the country's political landscape over the coming months.
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