COURT RESERVES JUDGMENT IN SDP DISPUTE OVER 2027 PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE

The Federal High Court in Abuja has reserved judgment in a suit challenging the publication of Adewole Adebayo’s name as the Social Democratic Party’s candidate for the 2027 presidential election.

The SDP and its National Organising Secretary, Dr Chukwuma Ogbonna, filed the suit against the Independent National Electoral Commission, alleging that it failed to recognise the party’s nominated candidate.

According to the plaintiffs, the party held its presidential primary and national convention in Abuja on May 20, 2026, under the leadership of National Chairman Alhaji Shehu Musa Gabam.

They said INEC monitored the exercise and issued a certified copy of its report.

The plaintiffs maintain that Hon. Abimbola Akeem Atanda won the primary and that the party submitted his name and personal details to the commission.

However, they alleged that INEC published Adebayo’s name instead, an action they argue conflicts with the Electoral Act, 2026.

The party is asking the court to set aside that publication and prevent INEC from placing Adebayo’s name on the ballot as its presidential candidate.

It also wants an order directing the commission to recognise and publish Atanda’s name as the winner of the primary it monitored.

The court has yet to rule on the claims.