By Henry Umoru

ABUJA — The National Working Committee (NWC) of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) has criticised the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) over what it described as a “fundamental error” in handling internal party matters, insisting that the commission has no constitutional authority to determine party leadership.

Addressing journalists in Abuja, SDP National Chairman, Abubakar Sadiq Gombe, said INEC lacks any legal basis to interfere in the internal structure of political parties.

He maintained that the commission had erred in recent administrative actions affecting the party but dismissed reports of a leadership crisis within the SDP, reaffirming its readiness for the 2027 general elections.

“Our message is simple: INEC must respect the limits of its authority. Political parties are not extensions of the commission,” Gombe said.

He stressed that neither the Constitution nor the Electoral Act empowers INEC to install or recognise party chairmen, noting that no court ruling grants such authority.

“There is no court pronouncement giving INEC the power to install party chairmen. There is nothing in the Electoral Act or the Constitution that confers such powers on the commission,” he added.

Gombe emphasised that leadership decisions within political parties are internal matters governed by party constitutions and democratic processes.

“Political parties are autonomous institutions. Our internal affairs are guided by our rules. INEC’s role is regulatory, not managerial,” he said.

He also dismissed claims of internal divisions, insisting that the party remains united and its leadership structure validly constituted through its national convention and executive decisions.

“We are fully in charge of our internal affairs. There is no crisis in the SDP. Attempts to portray otherwise are misleading. We remain focused and cannot be destabilised,” he said.

The SDP chairman added that the party would continue to resolve disputes internally rather than through external intervention.

On preparations for the 2027 elections, Gombe said the party is fully mobilised and will proceed with its scheduled congresses and national convention.

“We are going into the 2027 elections as a united party. Our congresses will commence soon, followed by our national convention. We are prepared at all levels,” he said.

He described the SDP as a principle-driven platform committed to democratic governance, rather than a party of convenience.