The Supreme Court on Friday dismissed an appeal filed by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) challenging the leadership of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), declaring the matter lacked merit.
INEC had sought to overturn the October 17 judgment of the Court of Appeal in Abuja, which upheld an order compelling the commission to include SDP candidates in by-elections conducted across 12 states. The appellate court had affirmed the ruling of the Abuja Division of the Federal High Court, which recognized SDP’s candidates following primaries monitored by INEC.
The commission argued that letters and notices submitted on behalf of the party by Acting National Chairman Dr. Sadiq Umar Abubakar and National Secretary Dr. Olu Agunloye were invalid, as both officials had previously been suspended by the party. INEC contended that the suspensions nullified the nomination of SDP candidates for the by-elections.
However, the Supreme Court, in a unanimous decision by a five-member panel led by Justice Mohammed Idris, held that the appeal had become academic, noting that elections had already been conducted and winners sworn in. The apex court found no reason to overturn the decisions of the two lower courts.
The ruling effectively affirms SDP’s leadership and the eligibility of its candidates in the recent by-elections, bringing closure to the protracted legal dispute with INEC.
