SDP Forum Seeks Police Protection for Nationwide Protest Over INEC’s Alleged Inaction
The Forum of State Chairmen of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) has formally notified the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, of its intention to stage a nationwide peaceful protest on Friday, July 24, 2026, over the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) alleged failure to implement a Federal High Court judgment concerning the party’s leadership.
The notification, dated July 23, 2026, was addressed to the Inspector-General of Police at the Force Headquarters in Abuja. A copy was also forwarded to the Commissioner of Police, Federal Capital Territory Command.
In a statement issued on Thursday in Abuja by the Forum’s Secretary and Nasarawa State SDP Chairman, Hon. Danlami Musa, the group said the protest would be led by SDP stakeholders, the Forum of State Chairmen, and candidates who emerged from the party’s primary elections monitored by INEC.
According to the statement, the protest seeks to compel compliance with the judgment delivered by the Federal High Court on June 24, 2026, in Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/402/2026 between Salawu-Adeniyi Mustapha Olaitan v. Independent National Electoral Commission & 3 Ors.
The Forum maintained that the planned demonstration is backed by Sections 39 and 40 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which guarantee citizens the rights to freedom of expression, peaceful assembly, and association.
It stated that the decision to organise the protest followed what it described as INEC’s continued refusal to enforce the court’s judgment, despite its binding nature.
The stakeholders further claimed that the court reaffirmed Alhaji Shehu Musa Gabam as the legitimate National Chairman of the SDP and issued consequential orders affecting the party’s leadership.
According to the Forum, any documents, nominations, correspondence, or actions allegedly carried out by Mr. Sadiq Abubakar and Chief Olu Agunloye in contradiction of the court’s orders are invalid and without legal effect.
The group argued that INEC’s alleged failure to implement the judgment has left many SDP candidates across the country uncertain about their status, while also undermining the authority of the judiciary and the integrity of Nigeria’s democratic process.
Despite its grievances, the Forum stressed that the protest would remain peaceful and would not constitute a threat to public order or national security.
It explained that the demonstration is intended to draw the attention of INEC, relevant government institutions, the international community, and democracy advocates to what it described as the urgent need to obey the court’s ruling.
The Forum also appealed to the Nigeria Police Force to provide adequate security for participants throughout the protest, saying the police have a constitutional responsibility to protect citizens exercising their lawful rights.
It further assured security agencies that all participants would conduct themselves peacefully and responsibly during the nationwide exercise.
