SDP, INEC peace talks over leadership crisis end in deadlock

In Abuja, Nigeria, on May 18, 2026, talks between the Social Democratic Party leadership and the Independent National Electoral Commission ended without agreement as both sides failed to settle the party’s leadership dispute and questions over official recognition.

The meeting involved leaders of the Social Democratic Party and officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission led by its chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, along with some Resident Electoral Commissioners. The session was held behind closed doors at the INEC headquarters in Abuja and lasted about two hours.

The discussion was arranged to address growing tension inside the party caused by competing claims over its national leadership and disagreements linked to court rulings and earlier actions taken by the electoral body. Despite expectations of progress, both sides left the meeting without reaching a common position.

After the meeting, SDP national leaders said they attended the session as part of efforts to resolve internal issues through dialogue with the electoral commission. They also said the party has the power under its rules to manage its own affairs and make decisions on leadership and discipline.

The party leadership also restated its position on the removal of former national chairman Shehu Gabam, saying the decision followed allegations of misconduct and other internal breaches.

They added that the party’s national executive committee had already approved his removal and informed INEC accordingly.

On the court matter linked to the dispute, SDP leaders said the ruling being referred to by INEC does not relate to the current leadership question at the national level, but instead came from a different case involving a governorship aspirant.

They also maintained that decisions taken at their national executive committee meetings remain valid under the party’s constitution and that disciplinary steps taken against members followed internal rules.

Officials of INEC did not give a full response after the meeting, as the chairman left the venue without speaking to journalists.