The National Chairman of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Shehu Gabam, has raised concerns over what he described as the Nigerian judiciary’s overreach into the statutory functions of political parties and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
Gabam made the remarks during an appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Monday, where he criticized the growing trend of courts determining electoral outcomes that should ideally be resolved by political parties and INEC.
In recent years, Nigeria’s judiciary has been inundated with post-election disputes, with numerous cases progressing from election tribunals to the Supreme Court. While some stakeholders argue that the courts are essential in upholding electoral integrity, Gabam insists that the judiciary’s increasing intervention is an anomaly.
Judiciary Overstepping Its Bounds
Gabam stated, “We are working to build a party akin to the African National Congress (ANC) in South Africa. We must avoid crises because every political movement has its challenges. If you lack a strong antidote to these challenges, it’s best to maintain stability.”
He further lamented, “These days, the functions of political parties and INEC are being taken over by the judiciary. We must navigate this carefully in our democratic journey.”
On Atiku, El-Rufai, and Party Defections
When asked about rumors that former Vice President Atiku Abubakar might defect from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to join forces with ex-Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai in the SDP, Gabam remained cautious.
“I won’t speculate until it happens,”he said. “However, the SDP is a solid platform for any serious politician. We enforce discipline—no one is above the law in our party.”
Gabam also praised El-Rufai, describing him as a “priceless asset” to any political organization. “El-Rufai is a workaholic with exceptional capacity. His experience would add immense value to the SDP. No party has a monopoly on wisdom; we welcome individuals who believe in Nigeria’s future and strong institutions.”
Coalition Talks and Party Strategy
On whether he is involved in ongoing coalition discussions among opposition figures, Gabam clarified, “As party chairman, I am not directly part of these talks because they involve conflicting interests. However, if any group decides to join the SDP, we will welcome them fully.”
The SDP chairman’s comments come amid heightened political realignments ahead of future elections, with opposition parties seeking stronger alliances to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
KiinMedia will continue to monitor developments in Nigeria’s evolving political landscape.
“Make sure that you pilot the affairs of the party up to the point of elections or primaries where people will be properly elected without the interference of the judiciary.
“Because these days, functions of parties have been taken by the judiciary. Functions of INEC have also been taken by the judiciary. So we have to be very careful how we navigate through this difficult period that we are in our democratic journey.”
When asked if former Vice President Atiku Abubakar plans to leave the Peoples Democratic Party to join the immediate past governor of Kaduna State, Nasir El-Rufai, Gabam, said, “Well, I won’t say that until we get there. The SDP is an excellent political platform for any career politician. We abide by the rules.
“We are very strict and ensure there is deterrence. Nobody is indispensable as far as the party is concerned. Once you breach the law, the law will take its course.”
The politician also showered encomium on El-Rufai, whom he described as a priceless asset.
He said, “Mallam El-Rufai is an asset. You know better than that. He is a workaholic and we believe that he will add value to the SDP. We don’t have a monopoly on knowledge and wisdom. We need people with extra capacity to add value to what we are doing.
“No party knows it all. When you have a convergence of assets of people that believe in the future of Nigeria, believe in the supremacy of the institution, that can punish people, create deterrence and openings, then you have a party that you can be proud of.”
When asked if he is among the key strategists in the ongoing coalition discussion, Gaidam said, “I am a chairman of a political party. I’m not supposed to be part of all these group discussions going on because they have their own conflicting interests embedded in those meetings. But the moment they make up their mind that this is their decision and want to join the SDP, the party will welcome them 100 per cent.”
Leave feedback about this