INEC rejects move to replace SDP chairman

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has rejected a letter attempting to name Sadiq Abubakar Gombe as Acting National Chairman of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), citing non-compliance with its electoral guidelines.

In a memo dated July 5, INEC Secretary Rose Oriaran-Anthony stated that the letter, dated June 25 and allegedly signed by the SDP National Secretary, carried a signature inconsistent with what the Commission has on record.

The communication also failed to meet the requirements outlined in Part 2(12)3 of the 2022 Regulations and Guidelines for Political Parties.

INEC requested that the current National Chairman, Shehu Gabam, confirm the authenticity of the letter.

The controversy began after SDP’s National Publicity Secretary, Araba Rufus Ayenigba, announced the suspension of Gabam and two other members of the National Working Committee, accusing them of general misconduct.

Ayenigba also declared Gombe as the new acting chairman.

Gabam, however, dismissed the claims as false and misleading.

In a statement released by his media aide, Lawal Ibrahim, he assured party members and the public that the SDP remains united and focused, insisting there is no internal crisis within the party.