The Supreme Court’s decision to fine the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) ₦2million has reaffirmed the independence of political parties and firmly cautioned the electoral body against meddling in internal party affairs, the Social Democratic Party (SDP) has said.
Reacting to the judgment, lead counsel to the SDP and its 2023 presidential candidate, Dr. Adewole Adebayo, described the ruling as a decisive reminder that INEC must operate as a neutral umpire in Nigeria’s multi-party system.
According to Adebayo, the court’s verdict sends a clear message that the electoral commission has no authority to interfere in the leadership structures of political parties. He stressed that such interference poses a threat to democratic pluralism.
“The Supreme Court has once again made it clear that INEC must not instigate or worsen internal disputes within political parties,” he said, adding that democracy can only thrive when opposition parties are allowed to function independently.
Adebayo dismissed claims of a leadership crisis within the SDP, insisting that the party’s national officers—including National Chairman Prof. Sadiq Umar Abubakar, National Secretary Dr. Olu Agunloye, and other members of the National Working Committee—remain lawfully in office.
He explained that the legal dispute stemmed from INEC’s refusal to recognise an acting national chairman duly appointed by the party, despite court rulings affirming the SDP’s right to manage its leadership and internal processes.
Although the Court of Appeal had earlier resolved the matter in favour of the SDP, Adebayo noted that INEC escalated the case to the Supreme Court, which ultimately dismissed the appeal and imposed a ₦2 million fine on the commission.
While lamenting that the financial penalty would be borne by taxpayers, Adebayo said the judgment was a necessary corrective step to safeguard Nigeria’s democracy.
He warned that undermining opposition parties through institutional interference could weaken democratic governance, noting that democracy loses meaning where citizens are denied genuine political alternatives.
Also speaking, SDP Acting National Chairman, Prof. Sadiq Umar Abubakar, hailed the ruling as a landmark victory for constitutional democracy and the rule of law.
“This judgment reinforces the settled position of the Supreme Court that political parties alone have the authority to determine their internal affairs,” Abubakar said.
He urged INEC to fully respect the ruling and allow political parties to operate in line with their constitutions, while encouraging parties to uphold internal discipline and legality.
Abubakar expressed optimism that the judgment would strengthen democratic institutions ahead of the 2027 general elections and beyond, describing it as a win not only for the SDP but for Nigeria’s entire political system.
