S’Court Restores SDP Leadership, Nullifies Appeal Court Verdict

The Supreme Court on Friday restored the leadership authority of the Social Democratic Party, delivering a major setback to factions battling for control of the party.

In a judgment delivered in Suit No. SC-CV-229-2036, the apex court nullified key portions of the Court of Appeal ruling and upheld the earlier decision of the Federal High Court.

The Supreme Court held that the plaintiff lacked the legal standing to institute the suit because he was not an aspirant in the disputed governorship primary election, stressing that the absence of locus standi deprived the courts of jurisdiction from the outset.

The court ruled that the Federal High Court acted properly when it dismissed the matter for lack of standing and faulted the appellate court for making further pronouncements after declining jurisdiction.

Reacting to the verdict, National Chairman of the SDP, Prof. Sadiq Gombe, described the judgment as a victory for truth, justice and internal party democracy.

Gombe said the ruling reaffirmed the principle that courts should not interfere unnecessarily in the internal affairs of political parties.

He commended the judiciary for defending the rule of law ahead of future elections and maintained that the suspension of the party’s former national chairman followed due process in line with Articles 13.2 and 19.1 of the party constitution.

The SDP chairman also called on security agencies to uphold the law and resist attempts to destabilise the party structure.