SDP warns INEC, judiciary against ‘Backdoor’ attempts to hijack party structure

By Henry Umoru

ABUJA — The National Working Committee (NWC) of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) has urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the judiciary to remain vigilant against what it described as attempts by some individuals to manipulate the electoral process through “backdoor” means.

The party made the call on Wednesday in Abuja while presenting the Certified True Copy (CTC) of a Federal High Court judgment which it said affirmed Salawu-Adeniyi Mustapha Olaitan as its duly elected governorship candidate for the 2026 Osun State governorship election.

Speaking with journalists after receiving the court document, SDP National Chairman, Prof. Sadiq Umar Abubakar Gombe, said the judgment had resolved the controversy surrounding the party’s Osun governorship candidate and halted efforts by some expelled members to impose themselves on the party.

“This morning, we received the certified true copy of the judgment, and we will take it to Osun. So even on this issue that they want to go through the back door, it is already settled. A Federal High Court today has settled it by today’s judgment,” he said.

Gombe accused a group led by expelled former National Chairman, Alhaji Shehu Musa Gabam, and expelled former National Youth Leader, Uchechukwu Chukwuma, of attempting to interfere with the party’s affairs after their removal.

He urged INEC and the courts to be cautious of what he described as “recalcitrant and criminal elements” who, according to him, were bent on disrupting the electoral process.

The SDP chairman also alleged financial misconduct against the expelled officials, claiming they collected money for party nomination forms outside approved party channels.

“Despite all this abnormality and criminality with the account of the party, they went ahead and were selling forms and collecting money in their private capacity, not through the party account,” he alleged.

He further alleged that some aspirants were instructed to pay part of the nomination fees into personal accounts rather than the party’s official account.

Gombe said the group had resorted to protests and social media campaigns after losing control of the party structure, urging Nigerians and prospective party members to conduct all transactions through recognised SDP offices and NWC members.

“I want to use this opportunity to call on all well-meaning Nigerians that whatever business dealings they have with the SDP, we are not responsible for your inactivity if you do not go through the recognised channels,” he said.

He advised members of the public seeking information about the party to contact its national secretariat or recognised officials across the states.

On the 2027 general elections, Gombe said the SDP was united and prepared to provide Nigerians with a credible political alternative.

He said members of the NWC operated as one family rather than along ethnic or state lines, adding that the party remained committed to rescuing the country through democratic means.

“We work as one family. No member of this NWC sees himself as coming from a particular state; rather, we see ourselves as Nigerians. We are ready for Nigeria and prepared to provide Nigerians with a credible alternative for the rescue mission of our dear country in 2027,” he said.

The post SDP warns INEC, judiciary against ‘Backdoor’ attempts to hijack party structure appeared first on Vanguard News.