The Social Democratic Party (SDP) has restated its openness to internal reconciliation with aggrieved members, even as it intensifies preparations ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The party’s National Chairman, Professor Sadiq Gombe, made the position known in Abuja after a quarterly consultative meeting between political parties and the Independent National Electoral Commission. He said the SDP has made significant progress in resolving internal disagreements but remains willing to welcome back members who comply with constitutional and procedural requirements for reconciliation.
Gombe emphasised that party unity must be built on discipline and respect for internal rules, noting that the SDP constitution already provides clear mechanisms for managing disputes, enforcing discipline, and facilitating reconciliation. He added that leadership within political parties requires tolerance, structure, and adherence to due process.
He also maintained that political parties should be allowed to manage their internal affairs without undue external interference, stressing that Nigeria’s constitutional provisions guarantee freedom of association, including the right of individuals to belong to political parties of their choice. According to him, the judiciary remains the proper channel for resolving disputes arising from party activities, and he expressed confidence in its ability to deliver fair judgments.
Gombe further said the party is now focused on strengthening its organisational structure in preparation for upcoming electoral contests.
At the same meeting, INEC Chairman, Professor Joash Amupitan, SAN, assured stakeholders that preparations for the 2027 general elections were ongoing despite litigation challenging parts of the electoral timetable. He disclosed that the commission has already appealed relevant court decisions and is seeking higher judicial clarification to ensure certainty in the electoral process.
He also confirmed that the commission is fully ready for the Ekiti State governorship election and six bye-elections scheduled for June 20, 2026, adding that logistics, election materials, personnel deployment, and technology systems have been concluded to ensure credible polls.
Amupitan urged political parties to support voter registration exercises, maintain peaceful campaigns, and avoid electoral misconduct such as violence, hate speech, and vote-buying.
Also speaking, the National Chairman of the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC), Dr. Yusuf Mamman Dantalle, called for urgent reforms to the Electoral Act 2026. He said the removal of indirect primaries has created legal and operational difficulties for political parties in candidate selection processes.
Dantalle urged the National Assembly to review provisions of the law to enhance political competition and reduce internal party disputes. He also called on INEC, security agencies, and political actors to work together to strengthen electoral integrity and public confidence ahead of the 2027 general elections.