The Social Democratic Party (SDP) has criticised the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for appealing recent court judgments that invalidated parts of its electoral timetable for the 2027 general elections, saying the move is unnecessary and counterproductive to democratic participation.
Speaking with journalists after the Second Quarterly Consultative Meeting between INEC and political party leaders in Abuja on Tuesday, the SDP National Chairman, Sadiq Gombe, said the court decisions should be allowed to stand as they would give political parties more room to prepare adequately for elections.
Gombe expressed confidence in INEC’s capacity to conduct credible elections but maintained that the commission’s decision to challenge the rulings was uncalled for.
“We are happy with the way the meeting went and we trust INEC’s commitment to the rule of law. However, on the issue of appealing court judgments, we don’t see the need for it,” he said.
According to him, the judgments would ease pressure on political parties and allow for better planning and participation in the electoral process.
“It will give parties more space to prepare and campaign effectively rather than tightening the process in a way that could limit participation,” he added.
While acknowledging INEC’s legal right to appeal, Gombe insisted that doing so was not in the interest of electoral progress, expressing confidence that the judiciary would ultimately uphold justice.
On internal disputes within the SDP, particularly reconciliation efforts involving a faction led by former National Chairman Shehu Musa Gabam, Gombe said the party remained open to peace in line with its constitution.
He noted that the SDP’s internal mechanisms provide for discipline and reconciliation among members, stressing that dialogue remains essential in resolving disputes.
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“As leaders, we believe in reconciliation. If someone makes a mistake and shows willingness to amend, there is always room for forgiveness and unity,” he said.
Gombe also reiterated that the issue of party leadership is strictly an internal matter for political parties, not INEC, citing Supreme Court rulings that support that position.
He explained that party organs such as the National Executive Committee and the National Working Committee are responsible for managing internal affairs and leadership decisions.
The SDP’s reaction comes after INEC confirmed it had filed appeals against two Federal High Court judgments that challenged aspects of its 2027 election timetable.
INEC Chairman, Joash Amupitan, had earlier explained that the appeals were necessary to clarify key constitutional issues regarding the commission’s authority to regulate electoral activities.
According to him, the electoral timetable is designed as a comprehensive framework for election planning, and any changes to it could have wider implications for the entire electoral process.
