The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has rejected a letter seeking to install Sadiq Abubakar Gombe as the Acting National Chairman of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), citing procedural violations and signature inconsistencies.
In a memo dated July 5, signed by INEC Secretary Rose Oriaran-Anthony, the Commission stated that the letter introducing Gombe, dated June 25 and reportedly signed by the party’s National Secretary, did not comply with the electoral guidelines.
INEC also noted that the signature on the letter did not match the official specimen in its records.
According to the memo, the submission failed to meet the criteria outlined in Part 2(12)3 of the 2022 Regulations and Guidelines for Political Parties.
INEC therefore requested that the current SDP National Chairman, Shehu Gabam, confirm the authenticity of the communication.
The leadership tussle within the party stems from a recent announcement by National Publicity Secretary Araba Rufus Ayenigba, who claimed that Gabam and two other National Working Committee (NWC) members had been suspended for alleged misconduct.
Ayenigba subsequently named Gombe as Acting National Chairman, citing disciplinary actions taken by the party.
Gabam swiftly denied the claims, labeling the announcement as misleading and baseless. In a statement issued through his media aide, Lawal Ibrahim, he reassured party members and the public that the SDP remains united and committed to its goals, dismissing any reports of division within the party’s leadership.
