SDP chair: Judiciary encroaching on political parties, INEC

Shehu Gabam, the national chairman of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), has decried the judiciary’s “interference” in the affairs of political parties and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

Speaking during his appearance on Channels Television’s ‘Politics Today’ programme on Monday, Gabam opined that the situation was abnormal and should not be allowed to continue.

“We are looking to build a party that will look like the ANC in South Africa. We are running away from the crisis because every movement has its own virus,” he said.

“So if you don’t have a strong antidote to that virus, you better maintain the status quo.

“Make sure that you pilot the affairs of the party up to the point of elections or primaries where people will be properly elected without the interference of the judiciary.

“Because these days, functions of parties have been taken by the judiciary. Functions of INEC have also been taken by the judiciary.

“So we have to be very careful how we navigate through this difficult period that we are in our democratic journey.”

Responding to whether Atiku Abubakar, former vice-president, will join the SDP to team up with Nasir el-Rufai, ex-governor of Kaduna, Gabam said: “Well, I won’t say that until we get there. The SDP is an excellent political platform for any career politician.

“We abide by the rules; we are very strict and ensure there is deterrence. Nobody is indispensable as far as the party is concerned.

“Once you breach the law, the law will take its course.”

He added that as party leader, he was not supposed to be part of the “group discussions” due to conflicting interests but assured that the SDP would fully welcome any group that decides to join.