Adebayo Slams Parties’ Deregistration, Demands True Independence For INEC

The presidential candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Prince Adewole Adebayo, has criticised a court judgment ordering the deregistration of political parties and demanded true independence for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

Adebayo, who condemned the move in a post on his X handle, described it as unconstitutional, undemocratic, and a direct assault on democratic development. He warned that Nigeria’s democracy and stability are under threat.

He said no constitutional, legal, or moral justification exists for suppressing alternative political platforms through government action backed by judicial orders.

He added that actions that shrink political space contradict democratic commitments. “Though the SDP was not among the affected parties, silence would amount to abandoning democratic principles,” he stated.

He urged Nigerians and defenders of democracy to stand in solidarity with the African Democratic Congress, Action Alliance, Action People’s Party, Accord Party, and Zenith Labour Party.

He stressed that Nigeria’s vast social, cultural, religious, economic, and ideological diversity requires multiple political platforms, saying citizens must be free to pursue their political aspirations without fear of arbitrary bans.

He pledged personal support to the affected parties in seeking justice through lawful means and advocated constitutional reforms to strip INEC of the power to register or deregister political parties.

He proposed limiting the commission’s role to conducting free, fair, and credible elections while allowing political associations to field candidates, subject to statutory deposits forfeited by parties that fail to meet a minimum vote threshold.

However, speaking to journalists in Abuja, Adebayo reiterated that INEC cannot function independently while the president retains control over the appointment of commissioners.

He called for a transparent, citizen-driven selection process to guarantee neutrality and public confidence.

“INEC cannot be truly independent when politicians appoint those running it,” Adebayo stated.

He added that without real-time result transmission and modern voting technology, credible elections would remain impossible ahead of the 2027 elections.

Adebayo warned that poverty and insecurity are already threatening national stability.

“Poverty has grown and given birth to insecurity. If we fail to address both, they may eventually give rise to instability, revolution, or even genocide,” he cautioned.

He criticised what he termed “paper reforms” and urged leaders to avoid policies that increase political tension.

“Government must prioritise strengthening institutions and promoting national development over restricting political participation,” Adebayo said.

The SDP chieftain maintained that Nigeria’s challenges are solvable through practical leadership and urged public office holders to focus on present realities, listen to citizens, and build an electoral system that citizens can trust.

End.