Gabam: Judiciary, INEC Action Strengthens Democracy

From: Mustapha Aminu 

Abuja, The National Chairman of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Shehu Musa Gabam, has commended the Nigerian Judiciary, describing it as the last hope of the common man and the guardian of constitutional democracy. He stated that the judiciary remains the pillar upon which the survival of Nigeria’s democratic experiment rests, especially in moments of political uncertainty and internal party disputes.

According to him, the recent decision of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to recognize and publish the authentic names of the National Working Committee (NWC) of the SDP is not just an administrative exercise. Rather, it is a clear affirmation that Nigerian democracy is governed by constitutional provisions upon which democracy itself survives. He noted that INEC’s compliance with the rule of law has reinforced public confidence in the electoral umpire as an impartial institution.

Gabam’s commendation comes on the heels of the landmark judgment of the Court of Appeal, which restored him as the authentic National Chairman of the Social Democratic Party. The appellate court, in its well-considered decision, set aside all contrary claims and affirmed the legitimacy of the leadership structure led by Gabam, bringing to an end months of needless litigation and factional distractions within the party.

In a statement officially signed by the National Chairman and made available to newsmen in Abuja on Monday, Gabam stressed that the judgment was a victory not for him personally, but for the SDP family and for democracy in Nigeria. He maintained that political parties must learn to resolve internal disagreements within the framework of their constitutions and the laws of the land, instead of resorting to self-help or media propaganda that weakens democratic institutions.

He further appreciated INEC for upholding the law by updating its records to reflect the true leadership of the SDP as pronounced by the Court of Appeal. According to him, “When INEC acts in line with judicial pronouncements, it strengthens our democracy and sends a strong message that no one is above the law. This singular act has restored order, legitimacy, and stability to our party ahead of critical political engagements in 2026 and 2027.”

The SDP National Chairman used the opportunity to call on all aggrieved members to sheath their swords and return to the table of unity. He emphasized that the party is now more focused on repositioning itself as a credible alternative, with structures across the 36 states and the FCT, ready to mobilize Nigerians for purposeful leadership. “We cannot build a new Nigeria with a divided house. The Court has spoken, INEC has complied, and it is time to work,” he declared.

Gabam concluded by reaffirming his commitment to transparent leadership, internal party democracy, and the Renewed Hope ideals that prioritize the welfare of the common man. He assured Nigerians that under his leadership, the SDP will remain a law-abiding party that respects the judiciary, partners with INEC, and offers credible opposition rooted in ideology, not bitterness. “The judiciary has done its part. INEC has done its part. Now, it is our turn as political actors to do ours,” the statement read.