Author: Gabby

Professor Sadiq Gombe, the national chairman of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), has clarified that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) plays no part in authenticating the leadership of Nigeria’s political parties. He made this statement following INEC’s consultative meeting with party leaders nationwide.

Gombe argued that linking party leadership disputes to the electoral body’s portal is a misstep. According to him, the Supreme Court has already ruled that the selection of party leadership rests solely with the political parties themselves. “It’s not about the INEC portal. The portal does not decide who becomes a party chairman,” Gombe emphasized.

The SDP also justified the expulsion of some members, including Shehu Musa Gaban, asserting that the process adhered to due procedure and was ratified by the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC). “The expulsion followed due process through the NEC and a disciplinary committee where they received a fair hearing,” the party noted.

The party further stated that the affected members failed to utilize internal appeal mechanisms provided in the party’s constitution. “Neither Shehu Gabam, Ogechukwu, nor the others followed due process to appeal their expulsion or suspension. Neither did they go to any court of competent jurisdiction to set aside that expulsion,” Gombe added.

Gombe expressed confidence that INEC would act lawfully after reviewing the relevant documents. “We are confident in INEC’s ability to do the needful. We don’t doubt their competence and commitment to the rule of law and respect for the independence of political parties,” he said. The SDP has submitted certified copies of the Supreme Court judgment and NEC report to support its position.

The party welcomed INEC chairman’s assurances regarding the commission’s commitment to the rule of law and respect for internal party affairs. This development comes as the former SDP chairman continues to claim leadership of the party.

The embattled factional National Chairman of the Labour Party, Julius Abure, has described the party’s interim chairman, Senator Nenadi Usman, as an interloper. Speaking during an appearance on Channels Television’s ‘Politics Today’ program on Tuesday, Abure addressed the ongoing leadership crisis within the party and the implications for the 2027 general elections.

Abure firmly stated, “I want to clarify that I am not an interloper in the Labour Party. If there is any intruder, it is Senator Nenadi Usman.” He emphasized that no final court ruling has been made regarding the party’s leadership dispute. Recalling the 2024 convention held in Nnewi, Anambra State, Abure noted that the Federal High Court had validated the convention and directed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to recognize his leadership. He added that the Court of Appeal upheld this decision, and when Usman appealed to the Supreme Court, the apex court deemed it an internal party matter. “Since then, we have been working closely with INEC,” Abure asserted.

The embattled Labour Party chieftain, Julius Abure, has declared that his criticism of Peter Obi and Abia State Governor Alex Otti will persist until the party’s leadership issues are resolved. Speaking on a national television program, Abure insisted that both figures are responsible for the turmoil plaguing the party, which he claims was stable before their involvement.

According to Abure, the root of the crisis lies in the formation of what he describes as an illegal caretaker committee in Umuahia, which he attributes to Obi and Otti. He argues that this committee has become a major obstacle to the party’s leadership. He maintains that any discussion of the party’s problems inevitably brings up Obi and Otti because of their central roles.

Abure further alleged that the Labour Party was peaceful prior to Obi’s entry into politics. He accused Obi of creating internal strife before moving on to the National Democratic Coalition (NDC). The former National Chairman also claimed that Obi and his allies are replicating similar issues within the NDC and urged the coalition’s leadership to stay alert.

In his own words, Abure stated: “Governor Alex Otti and Peter Obi disrupted the harmony that existed in the party. The party was running without any major conflict. It was these two individuals who went to Umuahia to establish an illegal caretaker committee that has become a burden on the party’s leadership.” He added, “Because the crisis continues, we cannot avoid talking about it. Every time the Labour Party crisis is mentioned, the names that come up are Peter Obi and Alex Otti.”

Abure concluded by emphasizing his right to offer advice to other political parties, saying that contributing to the nation’s political discourse is part of his responsibility as a participant in the democratic process.

The Social Democratic Party (SDP) has voiced opposition to the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) decision to challenge court verdicts that invalidated portions of the 2027 election schedule. During a gathering of political party leaders in Abuja, SDP National Chairman Prof. Sadiq Gombe argued that the appeals are unnecessary, as the rulings grant parties and contenders additional time for election preparations.

Gombe stated, “INEC lacks justification to appeal because of the election timeline considerations.” He emphasized that the judgments enhance campaigning opportunities and enable candidates who lost primary elections to still participate politically. While acknowledging INEC’s legal right to appeal, Gombe stressed that doing so is unwarranted and could disrupt the electoral process.

Regarding internal party disputes, Gombe reaffirmed the SDP’s commitment to reconciliation with the rival faction led by former Chairman Shehu Musa Gabam. He noted that the party’s constitution provides mechanisms for both discipline and reconciliation. Gombe also declared that leadership conflicts are internal matters for political parties, not for INEC to adjudicate. “INEC does not appoint party chairmen; that is the party’s prerogative,” he asserted.

INEC had earlier announced its intention to appeal two Federal High Court judgments that challenged elements of its 2027 election timetable. The electoral body claimed it seeks clarity on critical legal issues, warning that timetable alterations could disrupt the smooth organization of elections.

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has pushed back against claims made by Babachir Lawal, a former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, regarding the conduct of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential primary. Through his media aide, Phrank Shaibu, Atiku issued a statement on Tuesday categorically denying any wrongdoing.

Atiku accused Lawal of making sweeping accusations without offering any concrete proof. He asserted that Lawal spoke for nearly an hour without presenting a single document, petition, result sheet, witness statement, or recording to back his assertions. The former VP described the allegations as a toxic mix of bitterness, unfounded conjecture, and political revisionism disguised as concern for the public good.

The statement further suggested that Lawal’s disappointment stemmed from the defeat of his preferred candidate in the primary. Atiku posited that Lawal is simply a frustrated political figure unable to accept the outcome of a democratic process. He pointed out that Lawal openly backed another aspirant before the primary and is now attempting to frame his personal loss as a moral crusade.

Atiku also refuted the idea that he could single-handedly manipulate the votes of thousands of party delegates nationwide, calling such a notion unrealistic. He questioned how one person could control such a vast and dispersed electorate.

In addition, Atiku highlighted Lawal’s televised admission that he could easily obtain money from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu whenever he needed it. According to Atiku, Lawal boasted that a simple phone call to Tinubu would result in funds reaching him before he arrived home. Atiku urged Nigerians to reflect on the implications of such a statement and draw their own conclusions about Lawal’s character and motives.

The New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) has leveled fresh accusations against its former presidential candidate, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, claiming he continues to interfere in the party’s internal matters even after leaving. This allegation was made public on Tuesday by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Ogini Olaposi, through an official statement.

According to Olaposi, Kwankwaso still exerts influence within the NNPP by utilizing loyalists he allegedly left behind after his exit. These individuals are reportedly pursuing legal battles initiated by Kwankwaso, further entangling the party in unnecessary disputes.

The party further claimed that Kwankwaso’s political clout in Kano State has waned considerably, with many of his former key supporters defecting to the All Progressives Congress (APC). Olaposi advised the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) to recognize that Kwankwaso’s once-formidable political structure in Kano is now largely dismantled. He stressed that the former presidential candidate’s commanding officers have moved to the APC, diminishing his influence.