Ogona Anita
The case, INEC v SDP, centered on whether INEC had the power to refuse recognition of letters signed by the Acting National Chairman and National Secretary.
The Court of Appeal in Abuja has ruled in favour of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) in a case against the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
The court’s decision, delivered on Friday, October 17, 2025, by Banjoko JCA presided and others, declared that SDP’s Acting National Chairman, Dr. Sadiq Umar Abubakar Gombe, and National Secretary, Dr. Olu Agunloye, have the authority to take decisions on behalf of the party, according to a statement issued by the party’s National Secretary, Dr Olu Agunloye.
The case, INEC v SDP, centered on whether INEC had the power to refuse recognition of letters signed by the Acting National Chairman and National Secretary.
INEC had sought to overturn a High Court judgment in favour of SDP, which ruled that the party’s leadership structure had the authority to direct INEC.
The Court of Appeal held that INEC has no power to refuse to recognise and act on letters signed by Dr. Gombe and Dr. Agunloye.
The court nullified INEC’s position that the acting National Chairman was unknown to the commission.
Reacting to the judgement, Dr. Olu Agunloye, hailed the court decision, saying, “The Horse is galloping.” He expressed confidence in the party’s leadership and the court’s decision.
He added, “SDP has won again. First, at the Federal High Court in August 2025, and again, at the Court of Appeal in October 2025.”
The ruling upholds the power of SDP under the Nigerian Constitution and the Electoral Act to convey its decisions to INEC through its authorised leadership.
The court’s decision is seen as a significant victory for the party and its leadership structure.
