Former Social Democratic Party (SDP) presidential candidate Adewole Adebayo has urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to avoid interfering in the internal affairs of political parties.

He spoke at a meeting with journalists on Friday in Abuja immediately after the Supreme Court ruling that dismissed INEC’s appeal over the SDP’s leadership change.

“A multi-party democracy requires that INEC be impartial and not create problems for opposition parties,” Mr Adebayo said, noting that many crises in opposition parties result from such interference.

He added that the apex court affirmed SDP’s right to manage its internal affairs, including the appointment of an acting national chairman.

According to him, INEC initially refused to act on letters from the acting chairman, insisting on recognising a chairman who had already been removed.

“The courts were clear that INEC had no business interfering. Both the Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court dismissed their appeal,” he said, adding that the Supreme Court fined INEC N2 million, a cost borne by taxpayers.

Mr Adebayo emphasised that democracy cannot thrive under a single-party system and urged INEC to ensure a level playing field for all parties.

The acting SDP national chairman, Sadiq Abubakar, formally resumed at the party headquarters on Friday, describing the Supreme Court ruling as significant for the party and Nigeria’s democracy.

He explained that following the expulsion of the former national chairman, Shehu Gabam, the party’s constitution allows the deputy chairman from the same zone to act as chairman.

Mr Abubakar said INEC initially refused to recognise his signatures on letters nominating candidates for elections, prompting the party to approach the Federal High Court.

“The courts directed INEC to accept the candidates, and the Supreme Court ultimately affirmed that the internal affairs of political parties are their exclusive prerogative,” he said.

He added that delays in recognising SDP candidates affected past elections but said the ruling reinforces party autonomy ahead of the 2027 general elections.

(NAN)