The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has rejected a letter introducing Sadiq Abubakar Gombe as the Acting National Chairman of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), describing the communication as non-compliant with electoral regulations.
In a memo dated July 5 and signed by INEC Secretary, Rose Oriaran-Anthony, the Commission questioned the legitimacy of the document purportedly signed by the party’s National Secretary and asked the current National Chairman, Shehu Gabam, to authenticate the letter.
INEC noted that the letter, dated June 25, did not meet the stipulations in Part 2(12)3 of the Regulations and Guidelines for Political Parties, 2022. It also flagged inconsistencies in the signature attached to the letter.
The memo stated, “The Commission is in receipt of a letter dated 25th June on the above, purportedly signed by the Secretary of your party with a signature inconsistent with the specimen signature in the records of the Commission.
“The letter is not in compliance with the requirement of Part 2(12)3 of the Regulations and Guidelines for Political Parties, 2022. You are to please confirm the authenticity of the letter.”
Naija News reports that the controversy stems from a statement released two weeks ago by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Araba Rufus Ayenigba, who announced the suspension of Gabam alongside two other members of the National Working Committee (NWC) over alleged “general misconduct.”
Ayenigba had also declared Sadiq Abubakar Gombe as the Acting National Chairman, citing internal disciplinary action.
In a swift rebuttal, Gabam dismissed the claims of suspension and described reports of internal conflict as “misleading and unfounded.”
According to a statement released by his media aide, Lawal Ibrahim, Gabam assured party members and the public that the SDP remains united and focused on its objectives.
The post INEC Rejects Letter Introducing Acting SDP Chairman appeared first on Naija News.