The National Chairman of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Prof. Sadiq Gombe, has described the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as a critical institution in Nigeria’s democratic process and development.
Gombe also commended the Commission for its commitment to the advancement of the rule of law in the discharge of its statutory responsibilities.
The SDP boss stated this on Tuesday while briefing newsmen shortly after a close door of INEC with leaders and representatives of all the registered political parties at the Commission’s headquarters in Abuja.
He said the SDP was satisfied with the outcome of the engagement and appreciated the assurances given by INEC concerning its commitment to constitutional and legal provisions governing political parties.
According to him, the meeting provided an opportunity for political parties to interact with the electoral body on matters affecting the nation’s democracy, adding that the discussions were productive and cordial.
The SDP National Chairman added that the party’s delegation left the meeting encouraged by INEC’s position on respecting the independence of political parties and adhering to established legal procedures.
Gombe further revealed that the INEC Chairman informed party leaders that he had only recently returned from an official foreign trip and had just been briefed on recent developments relating to the SDP.
He said that the commission had assured stakeholders that it would carefully review all relevant documents and decisions before taking any action.
“The SDP remains confident in INEC’s ability to act in accordance with the law, particularly given the commission’s responsibility as an impartial electoral umpire.
“The SDP had no reason to doubt the commission’s commitment to democratic principles and constitutional governance”.
Gombe reiterated the party’s position that leadership matters within political parties are internal affairs to be determined by the parties themselves through their constitutional organs.
He maintained that the Supreme Court had consistently affirmed the principle that political parties possess the authority to regulate their internal affairs, including disciplinary matters and leadership decisions.
While addressing the ongoing leadership dispute within the SDP, the National Chairman said the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) acted within its constitutional powers in taking disciplinary measures against some erring members.
The Chairman explained that the party’s constitution provides internal mechanisms for appealing disciplinary actions maintaining that those mechanisms were not exhausted by the suspended members before they decided to challenge the decisions outside the party.
Gombe also pointed to documents in the party’s possession, including certified records and reports relating to meetings monitored by INEC officials.
He said the commission had monitored key meetings of the party, including NEC sessions and verification exercises, and therefore possessed firsthand knowledge of the processes undertaken by the party’s leadership organs.
He stressed that the SDP remains committed to peaceful, lawful and democratic conduct in all its activities.
Gombe also assured that the party will continue to respect the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the Electoral Act and judicial pronouncements while working to strengthen democratic institutions in the country.
