In a landmark decision that has sent shockwaves through Nigeria’s political landscape, the Social Democratic Party (SDP) has decisively defeated the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in a legal battle over party autonomy and candidate recognition.
On Friday, 17 October 2025, the Court of Appeal in Abuja, led by Justice Banjoko JCA, upheld the Federal High Court ruling of August 2025, affirming that the party’s Acting National Chairman, Dr. Sadiq Umar Abubakar (Gombe), and National Secretary, Dr. Olu Agunloye, have the constitutional authority to make binding decisions on behalf of SDP.
The case, which has captivated political observers, began earlier this year when INEC refused to recognise official letters from the party’s leadership, effectively barring SDP candidates from participating in an upcoming by-election. The commission claimed internal party suspensions rendered the documents invalid.
“There is a law that says if you are suspended, you cannot sign official documents,” INEC had argued. But SDP challenged the claim, insisting that Dr. Abubakar and Dr. Agunloye were duly authorised to act.
The Appeal Court not only upheld the High Court ruling but also nullified INEC’s earlier assertion that Dr. Abubakar was “unknown” to the commission. The judgment reinforces the party’s legal right to communicate its decisions to INEC, regardless of the commission’s internal “guidelines.”
“This is a strong affirmation of our constitutional and legal rights,” Dr. Olu Agunloye said triumphantly. “The horse is galloping. The courts have settled the issue in our favour.”
Political analysts say the ruling sets a critical precedent for Nigeria’s political parties, clarifying that INEC cannot override decisions made by legally recognised party leaders. The victory is especially significant as SDP prepares for the installation of a new chairman next week, signalling stability and renewed momentum for the party ahead of the election cycle.
For SDP, the court victories—first at the Federal High Court in August and now at the Court of Appeal—represent more than legal wins; they are a bold statement of independence, authority, and resilience in Nigeria’s often turbulent political arena.