SDP slams INEC over plan to appeal 2027 election timetable judgement

The Social Democratic Party (SDP) has voiced strong criticism against the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for its decision to appeal recent court judgments that altered aspects of the electoral timetable for the 2027 general elections. The party contends that these appeals are unwarranted and counterproductive.

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We were invited to today’s meeting, and we are happy with the way it went. We are confident in the ability of INEC to do the needful, as a law-abiding body, particularly under a professor of law who is a SAN. We are not doubting their confidence and commitment to the rule of law.

SDP National Chairman, Prof. Sadiq Gombe, stated that the electoral umpire has no valid reason to challenge the rulings. He argued that the court's decisions would provide political parties and candidates with more time and flexibility to prepare for the elections, thereby enhancing participation and fairness in the electoral process. Gombe expressed confidence in the judiciary, noting that the courts have previously delivered just rulings.

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INEC has no right to appeal the ruling because of the timing of the election and so on. Nevertheless, to some of us, we don’t feel there is a need for it because this is something that we are sure will free political parties, give them more room to be able to prepare for the elections.

"INEC has no right to appeal the ruling because of the timing of the election and so on. Nevertheless, to some of us, we don’t feel there is a need for it because this is something that we are sure will free political parties, give them more room to be able to prepare for the elections," Gombe told journalists after a consultative meeting with INEC in Abuja.

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It will also give room for campaign and other things than tighten down the electoral process whereby parties will be disenfranchised, or candidates will not be allowed to exercise their franchise after losing in other parties. They have the right. It’s within their fundamental human right, which is enshrined in our constitution.

The SDP chairman emphasized that extending the electoral timeline would prevent the disenfranchisement of parties and candidates, allowing them to exercise their fundamental human rights. He expressed belief that the courts would again deliver justice, mirroring the outcomes of previous suits. The party remains open to reconciliation within its ranks, adhering to its constitution and internal mechanisms.

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So I think in the first place, to some of us, we don’t feel there is any need for INEC to appeal that. But it also has the right to. But I am sure the court will do justice to it, just the way they did justice to the first suit. I’m sure we are coming up on board, particularly with the way the judiciary is up and doing these days.