The Social Democratic Party has called on the Independent National Electoral Commission to refrain from taking any action on the party’s leadership until the determination of an appeal arising from a recent Federal High Court judgment.The party made the call in a statement issued on Friday by its National Publicity Secretary, Rufus Aiyenigba, following a petition submitted to INEC on behalf of its expelled former National Chairman, Shehu Gabam, forwarding a Federal High Court judgment delivered on June 24.Aiyenigba explained that the judgment is already being challenged at the Court of Appeal and should not be relied upon in matters relating to the party’s leadership.“The SDP calls on the Independent National Electoral Commission to take note that the said judgment has been appealed against by the Social Democratic Party, and it is now pending before the Court of Appeal,” the statement read.The party spokesman also argued that the Supreme Court had consistently held that courts lacked jurisdiction to determine the leadership of political parties.“With respect to the leadership of the SDP, the Supreme Court has maintained that courts do not have jurisdiction to determine who can be the National Chairman, National Secretary and the leadership of a political party,” it stated.It further maintained that the Federal High Court judgment did not direct INEC to recognise any individual as the party’s National Chairman or National Secretary.Related NewsKano gov hails Tinubu over INEC 2027 nomination formTinubu retains Shettima as running mateCourt grants N200m bail to female executive arraigned by EFCC for laundering $600,000“There is no positive order mandating INEC in this judgment to install Shehu Gabam as National Chairman or Ogbonna Okechukwu as National Secretary,” the statement added.Aiyenigba also contended that part of the judgment relied on a Court of Appeal decision which, according to the party, had already been set aside by the Supreme Court.It, therefore, urged INEC to maintain the current leadership arrangement until the appellate court determines the matter.“The party therefore urges the Independent National Electoral Commission to maintain the status quo on party leadership until the final determination of the appeal because there is a subsisting decision of the Supreme Court which has set aside and nullified the Court of Appeal judgment referenced in the Federal High Court judgment,” the statement said.The party further disclosed that it had held its National Executive Committee meeting on July 9, describing it as part of efforts to strengthen the party’s internal democracy and administrative structures.It added that the nomination process for its presidential candidate, Adewole Adebayo, and vice-presidential candidate, Dr. Usman Bugaje, had been completed, while the party was processing the submission of documents for other candidates who emerged from its primaries.“The SDP is focused on strongly building and reinforcing its capacity for victory ahead of the 2027 general elections and will continue to work for democratic consolidation and promote the true interest of Nigeria,” the statement added. The party made the call in a statement issued on Friday by its National Publicity Secretary, Rufus Aiyenigba, following a petition submitted to INEC on behalf of its expelled former National Chairman, Shehu Gabam, forwarding a Federal High Court judgment delivered on June 24.Aiyenigba explained that the judgment is already being challenged at the Court of Appeal and should not be relied upon in matters relating to the party’s leadership.“The SDP calls on the Independent National Electoral Commission to take note that the said judgment has been appealed against by the Social Democratic Party, and it is now pending before the Court of Appeal,” the statement read.The party spokesman also argued that the Supreme Court had consistently held that courts lacked jurisdiction to determine the leadership of political parties.“With respect to the leadership of the SDP, the Supreme Court has maintained that courts do not have jurisdiction to determine who can be the National Chairman, National Secretary and the leadership of a political party,” it stated.It further maintained that the Federal High Court judgment did not direct INEC to recognise any individual as the party’s National Chairman or National Secretary.Related NewsKano gov hails Tinubu over INEC 2027 nomination formTinubu retains Shettima as running mateCourt grants N200m bail to female executive arraigned by EFCC for laundering $600,000“There is no positive order mandating INEC in this judgment to install Shehu Gabam as National Chairman or Ogbonna Okechukwu as National Secretary,” the statement added.Aiyenigba also contended that part of the judgment relied on a Court of Appeal decision which, according to the party, had already been set aside by the Supreme Court.It, therefore, urged INEC to maintain the current leadership arrangement until the appellate court determines the matter.“The party therefore urges the Independent National Electoral Commission to maintain the status quo on party leadership until the final determination of the appeal because there is a subsisting decision of the Supreme Court which has set aside and nullified the Court of Appeal judgment referenced in the Federal High Court judgment,” the statement said.The party further disclosed that it had held its National Executive Committee meeting on July 9, describing it as part of efforts to strengthen the party’s internal democracy and administrative structures.It added that the nomination process for its presidential candidate, Adewole Adebayo, and vice-presidential candidate, Dr. Usman Bugaje, had been completed, while the party was processing the submission of documents for other candidates who emerged from its primaries.“The SDP is focused on strongly building and reinforcing its capacity for victory ahead of the 2027 general elections and will continue to work for democratic consolidation and promote the true interest of Nigeria,” the statement added. Aiyenigba explained that the judgment is already being challenged at the Court of Appeal and should not be relied upon in matters relating to the party’s leadership.“The SDP calls on the Independent National Electoral Commission to take note that the said judgment has been appealed against by the Social Democratic Party, and it is now pending before the Court of Appeal,” the statement read.The party spokesman also argued that the Supreme Court had consistently held that courts lacked jurisdiction to determine the leadership of political parties.“With respect to the leadership of the SDP, the Supreme Court has maintained that courts do not have jurisdiction to determine who can be the National Chairman, National Secretary and the leadership of a political party,” it stated.It further maintained that the Federal High Court judgment did not direct INEC to recognise any individual as the party’s National Chairman or National Secretary.Related NewsKano gov hails Tinubu over INEC 2027 nomination formTinubu retains Shettima as running mateCourt grants N200m bail to female executive arraigned by EFCC for laundering $600,000“There is no positive order mandating INEC in this judgment to install Shehu Gabam as National Chairman or Ogbonna Okechukwu as National Secretary,” the statement added.Aiyenigba also contended that part of the judgment relied on a Court of Appeal decision which, according to the party, had already been set aside by the Supreme Court.It, therefore, urged INEC to maintain the current leadership arrangement until the appellate court determines the matter.“The party therefore urges the Independent National Electoral Commission to maintain the status quo on party leadership until the final determination of the appeal because there is a subsisting decision of the Supreme Court which has set aside and nullified the Court of Appeal judgment referenced in the Federal High Court judgment,” the statement said.The party further disclosed that it had held its National Executive Committee meeting on July 9, describing it as part of efforts to strengthen the party’s internal democracy and administrative structures.It added that the nomination process for its presidential candidate, Adewole Adebayo, and vice-presidential candidate, Dr. Usman Bugaje, had been completed, while the party was processing the submission of documents for other candidates who emerged from its primaries.“The SDP is focused on strongly building and reinforcing its capacity for victory ahead of the 2027 general elections and will continue to work for democratic consolidation and promote the true interest of Nigeria,” the statement added. “The SDP calls on the Independent National Electoral Commission to take note that the said judgment has been appealed against by the Social Democratic Party, and it is now pending before the Court of Appeal,” the statement read.The party spokesman also argued that the Supreme Court had consistently held that courts lacked jurisdiction to determine the leadership of political parties.“With respect to the leadership of the SDP, the Supreme Court has maintained that courts do not have jurisdiction to determine who can be the National Chairman, National Secretary and the leadership of a political party,” it stated.It further maintained that the Federal High Court judgment did not direct INEC to recognise any individual as the party’s National Chairman or National Secretary.Related NewsKano gov hails Tinubu over INEC 2027 nomination formTinubu retains Shettima as running mateCourt grants N200m bail to female executive arraigned by EFCC for laundering $600,000“There is no positive order mandating INEC in this judgment to install Shehu Gabam as National Chairman or Ogbonna Okechukwu as National Secretary,” the statement added.Aiyenigba also contended that part of the judgment relied on a Court of Appeal decision which, according to the party, had already been set aside by the Supreme Court.It, therefore, urged INEC to maintain the current leadership arrangement until the appellate court determines the matter.“The party therefore urges the Independent National Electoral Commission to maintain the status quo on party leadership until the final determination of the appeal because there is a subsisting decision of the Supreme Court which has set aside and nullified the Court of Appeal judgment referenced in the Federal High Court judgment,” the statement said.The party further disclosed that it had held its National Executive Committee meeting on July 9, describing it as part of efforts to strengthen the party’s internal democracy and administrative structures.It added that the nomination process for its presidential candidate, Adewole Adebayo, and vice-presidential candidate, Dr. Usman Bugaje, had been completed, while the party was processing the submission of documents for other candidates who emerged from its primaries.“The SDP is focused on strongly building and reinforcing its capacity for victory ahead of the 2027 general elections and will continue to work for democratic consolidation and promote the true interest of Nigeria,” the statement added. The party spokesman also argued that the Supreme Court had consistently held that courts lacked jurisdiction to determine the leadership of political parties.“With respect to the leadership of the SDP, the Supreme Court has maintained that courts do not have jurisdiction to determine who can be the National Chairman, National Secretary and the leadership of a political party,” it stated.It further maintained that the Federal High Court judgment did not direct INEC to recognise any individual as the party’s National Chairman or National Secretary.Related NewsKano gov hails Tinubu over INEC 2027 nomination formTinubu retains Shettima as running mateCourt grants N200m bail to female executive arraigned by EFCC for laundering $600,000“There is no positive order mandating INEC in this judgment to install Shehu Gabam as National Chairman or Ogbonna Okechukwu as National Secretary,” the statement added.Aiyenigba also contended that part of the judgment relied on a Court of Appeal decision which, according to the party, had already been set aside by the Supreme Court.It, therefore, urged INEC to maintain the current leadership arrangement until the appellate court determines the matter.“The party therefore urges the Independent National Electoral Commission to maintain the status quo on party leadership until the final determination of the appeal because there is a subsisting decision of the Supreme Court which has set aside and nullified the Court of Appeal judgment referenced in the Federal High Court judgment,” the statement said.The party further disclosed that it had held its National Executive Committee meeting on July 9, describing it as part of efforts to strengthen the party’s internal democracy and administrative structures.It added that the nomination process for its presidential candidate, Adewole Adebayo, and vice-presidential candidate, Dr. Usman Bugaje, had been completed, while the party was processing the submission of documents for other candidates who emerged from its primaries.“The SDP is focused on strongly building and reinforcing its capacity for victory ahead of the 2027 general elections and will continue to work for democratic consolidation and promote the true interest of Nigeria,” the statement added. “With respect to the leadership of the SDP, the Supreme Court has maintained that courts do not have jurisdiction to determine who can be the National Chairman, National Secretary and the leadership of a political party,” it stated.It further maintained that the Federal High Court judgment did not direct INEC to recognise any individual as the party’s National Chairman or National Secretary.Related NewsKano gov hails Tinubu over INEC 2027 nomination formTinubu retains Shettima as running mateCourt grants N200m bail to female executive arraigned by EFCC for laundering $600,000“There is no positive order mandating INEC in this judgment to install Shehu Gabam as National Chairman or Ogbonna Okechukwu as National Secretary,” the statement added.Aiyenigba also contended that part of the judgment relied on a Court of Appeal decision which, according to the party, had already been set aside by the Supreme Court.It, therefore, urged INEC to maintain the current leadership arrangement until the appellate court determines the matter.“The party therefore urges the Independent National Electoral Commission to maintain the status quo on party leadership until the final determination of the appeal because there is a subsisting decision of the Supreme Court which has set aside and nullified the Court of Appeal judgment referenced in the Federal High Court judgment,” the statement said.The party further disclosed that it had held its National Executive Committee meeting on July 9, describing it as part of efforts to strengthen the party’s internal democracy and administrative structures.It added that the nomination process for its presidential candidate, Adewole Adebayo, and vice-presidential candidate, Dr. Usman Bugaje, had been completed, while the party was processing the submission of documents for other candidates who emerged from its primaries.“The SDP is focused on strongly building and reinforcing its capacity for victory ahead of the 2027 general elections and will continue to work for democratic consolidation and promote the true interest of Nigeria,” the statement added. It further maintained that the Federal High Court judgment did not direct INEC to recognise any individual as the party’s National Chairman or National Secretary.Related NewsKano gov hails Tinubu over INEC 2027 nomination formTinubu retains Shettima as running mateCourt grants N200m bail to female executive arraigned by EFCC for laundering $600,000“There is no positive order mandating INEC in this judgment to install Shehu Gabam as National Chairman or Ogbonna Okechukwu as National Secretary,” the statement added.Aiyenigba also contended that part of the judgment relied on a Court of Appeal decision which, according to the party, had already been set aside by the Supreme Court.It, therefore, urged INEC to maintain the current leadership arrangement until the appellate court determines the matter.“The party therefore urges the Independent National Electoral Commission to maintain the status quo on party leadership until the final determination of the appeal because there is a subsisting decision of the Supreme Court which has set aside and nullified the Court of Appeal judgment referenced in the Federal High Court judgment,” the statement said.The party further disclosed that it had held its National Executive Committee meeting on July 9, describing it as part of efforts to strengthen the party’s internal democracy and administrative structures.It added that the nomination process for its presidential candidate, Adewole Adebayo, and vice-presidential candidate, Dr. Usman Bugaje, had been completed, while the party was processing the submission of documents for other candidates who emerged from its primaries.“The SDP is focused on strongly building and reinforcing its capacity for victory ahead of the 2027 general elections and will continue to work for democratic consolidation and promote the true interest of Nigeria,” the statement added. “There is no positive order mandating INEC in this judgment to install Shehu Gabam as National Chairman or Ogbonna Okechukwu as National Secretary,” the statement added.Aiyenigba also contended that part of the judgment relied on a Court of Appeal decision which, according to the party, had already been set aside by the Supreme Court.It, therefore, urged INEC to maintain the current leadership arrangement until the appellate court determines the matter.“The party therefore urges the Independent National Electoral Commission to maintain the status quo on party leadership until the final determination of the appeal because there is a subsisting decision of the Supreme Court which has set aside and nullified the Court of Appeal judgment referenced in the Federal High Court judgment,” the statement said.The party further disclosed that it had held its National Executive Committee meeting on July 9, describing it as part of efforts to strengthen the party’s internal democracy and administrative structures.It added that the nomination process for its presidential candidate, Adewole Adebayo, and vice-presidential candidate, Dr. Usman Bugaje, had been completed, while the party was processing the submission of documents for other candidates who emerged from its primaries.“The SDP is focused on strongly building and reinforcing its capacity for victory ahead of the 2027 general elections and will continue to work for democratic consolidation and promote the true interest of Nigeria,” the statement added. Aiyenigba also contended that part of the judgment relied on a Court of Appeal decision which, according to the party, had already been set aside by the Supreme Court.It, therefore, urged INEC to maintain the current leadership arrangement until the appellate court determines the matter.“The party therefore urges the Independent National Electoral Commission to maintain the status quo on party leadership until the final determination of the appeal because there is a subsisting decision of the Supreme Court which has set aside and nullified the Court of Appeal judgment referenced in the Federal High Court judgment,” the statement said.The party further disclosed that it had held its National Executive Committee meeting on July 9, describing it as part of efforts to strengthen the party’s internal democracy and administrative structures.It added that the nomination process for its presidential candidate, Adewole Adebayo, and vice-presidential candidate, Dr. Usman Bugaje, had been completed, while the party was processing the submission of documents for other candidates who emerged from its primaries.“The SDP is focused on strongly building and reinforcing its capacity for victory ahead of the 2027 general elections and will continue to work for democratic consolidation and promote the true interest of Nigeria,” the statement added. It, therefore, urged INEC to maintain the current leadership arrangement until the appellate court determines the matter.“The party therefore urges the Independent National Electoral Commission to maintain the status quo on party leadership until the final determination of the appeal because there is a subsisting decision of the Supreme Court which has set aside and nullified the Court of Appeal judgment referenced in the Federal High Court judgment,” the statement said.The party further disclosed that it had held its National Executive Committee meeting on July 9, describing it as part of efforts to strengthen the party’s internal democracy and administrative structures.It added that the nomination process for its presidential candidate, Adewole Adebayo, and vice-presidential candidate, Dr. Usman Bugaje, had been completed, while the party was processing the submission of documents for other candidates who emerged from its primaries.“The SDP is focused on strongly building and reinforcing its capacity for victory ahead of the 2027 general elections and will continue to work for democratic consolidation and promote the true interest of Nigeria,” the statement added. “The party therefore urges the Independent National Electoral Commission to maintain the status quo on party leadership until the final determination of the appeal because there is a subsisting decision of the Supreme Court which has set aside and nullified the Court of Appeal judgment referenced in the Federal High Court judgment,” the statement said.The party further disclosed that it had held its National Executive Committee meeting on July 9, describing it as part of efforts to strengthen the party’s internal democracy and administrative structures.It added that the nomination process for its presidential candidate, Adewole Adebayo, and vice-presidential candidate, Dr. Usman Bugaje, had been completed, while the party was processing the submission of documents for other candidates who emerged from its primaries.“The SDP is focused on strongly building and reinforcing its capacity for victory ahead of the 2027 general elections and will continue to work for democratic consolidation and promote the true interest of Nigeria,” the statement added. The party further disclosed that it had held its National Executive Committee meeting on July 9, describing it as part of efforts to strengthen the party’s internal democracy and administrative structures.It added that the nomination process for its presidential candidate, Adewole Adebayo, and vice-presidential candidate, Dr. Usman Bugaje, had been completed, while the party was processing the submission of documents for other candidates who emerged from its primaries.“The SDP is focused on strongly building and reinforcing its capacity for victory ahead of the 2027 general elections and will continue to work for democratic consolidation and promote the true interest of Nigeria,” the statement added. It added that the nomination process for its presidential candidate, Adewole Adebayo, and vice-presidential candidate, Dr. Usman Bugaje, had been completed, while the party was processing the submission of documents for other candidates who emerged from its primaries.“The SDP is focused on strongly building and reinforcing its capacity for victory ahead of the 2027 general elections and will continue to work for democratic consolidation and promote the true interest of Nigeria,” the statement added. “The SDP is focused on strongly building and reinforcing its capacity for victory ahead of the 2027 general elections and will continue to work for democratic consolidation and promote the true interest of Nigeria,” the statement added.