Political Tension Rises As SDP Alleges INEC Is Fueling Internal Crisis

The factional National Chairman of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Sadiq Gombe, has accused the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of meddling in the party’s internal affairs in an alleged attempt to fuel a leadership crisis within the opposition party.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Gombe made the accusation during a press conference held on Thursday, May 7, at the party’s national secretariat amid the ongoing leadership tussle rocking the SDP.

The crisis reportedly escalated after the party’s former National Chairman, Shehu Musa Gabam, and his supporters allegedly disrupted activities at the secretariat.

Reports claimed Gabam arrived at the secretariat with suspected political thugs before security personnel intervened to restore calm.

Addressing the situation, Gombe defended the suspension and eventual expulsion of officials loyal to Gabam, insisting the actions followed due process as outlined in the party’s constitution.

He stated that the affected members were accused of misconduct, financial irregularities and actions considered contrary to the party’s rules.

“We constituted a five-man committee chaired by Air Vice Marshal Bakir Sadiq Gilmour to investigate the allegations. Those involved were formally invited to appear before the panel and defend themselves,” Gombe said.

He added that Gabam allegedly failed to honour the invitation extended to him to settle the matter internally.

“The committee sat daily for two weeks at the national secretariat. After reviewing its findings, the National Working Committee set up a white paper committee which eventually recommended their expulsion from the party,” he explained.

Gombe also criticised what he described as INEC’s unnecessary interference in the SDP’s internal matters.

According to him, the party was shocked when the electoral commission allegedly invited SDP leaders for an alternative dispute resolution meeting despite no officially recognised dispute existing before INEC.

“It came as a surprise to us that on the eve of our convention, INEC invited us for alternative dispute resolution when we are not aware of any dispute,” he stated.

He maintained that political parties have the constitutional right to manage their internal affairs without outside interference, accusing INEC of trying to impose leadership on the SDP.

“We are Nigerians and law-abiding citizens. Nobody will intimidate us in our own country. We are proceeding with our convention in Bauchi,” Gombe declared.

Despite the deepening leadership crisis, Gombe insisted that preparations for the SDP convention in Bauchi were continuing as planned.