SDP faction disowns lawsuit against INEC timetable

A faction of Nigeria's Social Democratic Party (SDP), loyal to National Chairman Shehu Gabam, has publicly distanced itself from a lawsuit targeting the Independent National Electoral Commission's (INEC) timetable. The party described the legal challenge as unauthorized and lacking approval from its leadership.

In a statement released Wednesday in Abuja, the faction asserted that the case was initiated without the party's knowledge or consent. They identified the former National Secretary, Dr. Olu Agunloye, as the individual who filed the suit. The party stressed that Agunloye did not possess the authority to commence legal proceedings on behalf of the SDP, and the litigation did not represent the position of any constitutionally recognized party organ.

The statement further clarified that the lawsuit was neither discussed nor sanctioned by the National Working Committee (NWC), the National Executive Committee (NEC), or any other decision-making body within the party. "The lawsuit was neither discussed nor approved by the appropriate organs of the party. It was a unilateral action taken without the knowledge, consent, or authorisation of the SDP," the statement read.

The faction announced its complete dissociation from the case, identified as FHC/ABJ/CS/720/2026, and all associated filings. They also referenced a letter from Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) Shaibu Enejo Aruwa, which mentioned communications with Agunloye regarding the filing of the case against INEC and other respondents. The SDP reiterated that it never authorized the legal action, insisting that any such move must adhere to due process and internal approval mechanisms. The party urged the public, political actors, and institutions to disregard any claims that the suit reflects its official position.

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The lawsuit was neither discussed nor approved by the appropriate organs of the party. It was a unilateral action taken without the knowledge, consent, or authorisation of the SDP.