Social Democratic Party (SDP) has observed with concern the deliberate attempt by some individuals to misrepresent the ruling delivered by the Supreme Court today and create the false impression that the Court made a determination on the leadership of the Social Democratic Party.
For the avoidance of doubt, the Supreme Court did not determine, pronounce upon, or make any order on the leadership of the Social Democratic Party in today’s proceedings. The matter before the Court concerned the Osun State Governorship election, and the Court’s decision must be understood strictly within the issues placed before it.
It is therefore legally and factually misleading for anyone to present today’s ruling as a pronouncement removing, replacing or determining the National Chairman of the SDP. No such order was made by the Supreme Court today.
Accordingly, the Social Democratic Party reaffirms that Alhaji Shehu Musa Gabam remains the National Chairman of the Social Democratic Party, in accordance with the Party’s established constitutional and institutional position. The Party’s official communications have similarly maintained that Alhaji Shehu Musa Gabam remains its authentic Executive National Chairman.
We therefore urge Party faithful, supporters, the media and the general public to reject the propaganda and misinformation being circulated by individuals seeking to exploit today’s ruling for political purposes. A judgment cannot be expanded beyond the issues determined and orders made by the Court.
The SDP remains committed to the rule of law, internal democracy and constitutional party administration.
The Supreme Court has spoken on the matter before it. It has not spoken today on the leadership of the SDP. Let the judgment speak for itself not propaganda.
Signed
National Publicity Secretariat
Social Democratic Party (SDP)
