SDP criticises INEC’s decision to appeal 2027 election timetable ruling

The Social Democratic Party has condemned the Independent National Electoral Commission’s plan to appeal recent court judgments that set aside parts of the electoral timetable for the 2027 general elections.

Speaking on Tuesday after a consultative meeting with INEC in Abuja, the SDP National Chairman, Sadiq Gombe, argued that the electoral body had no valid reason to challenge the rulings. He stated that the judgments would expand opportunities for political parties and candidates to participate more fully in the electoral process.

Gombe expressed confidence in INEC’s ability to abide by the rule of law but questioned the necessity of the appeal. He noted that the court decisions would free political parties from restrictive timelines, allowing them better preparation for elections. He added that candidates who lose in one party should retain the right to contest under another platform, describing this as a fundamental right enshrined in the constitution.

While acknowledging INEC’s right to appeal, Gombe expressed trust that the judiciary would deliver a just outcome as it did in the initial suits.

On the leadership dispute within the SDP involving a faction led by former National Chairman Shehu Musa Gabam, Gombe said the party remains open to reconciliation in line with its constitution. He likened party leadership to a father-son relationship, stating that if an erring member repents and amends, reconciliation is possible.

He further insisted that party leadership is an internal affair and not within INEC’s purview, citing Supreme Court rulings to that effect.

INEC had earlier announced that it filed appeals against two Federal High Court judgments. The first, delivered on May 20 in a suit by the Youth Party, challenged certain election timelines. The second, delivered on May 26 in a case filed by the SDP, nullified some deadlines for candidate nomination and substitution.

INEC Chairman Joash Amupitan explained that the commission seeks appellate clarification on legal questions regarding its constitutional powers to regulate electoral activities. He warned that altering parts of the timetable could disrupt the entire electoral process, including party primaries, candidate nominations, voter education, and logistics.