The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced the inclusion of candidates of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) in Saturday’s by-elections following a recent court ruling.
InfoStride News recalls that the commission had earlier excluded the party, citing failure to submit valid notices for the conduct of its primaries. INEC maintained that the primary elections were not monitored by its officials, hence the disqualification of SDP’s candidates.
However, the Federal High Court, Abuja Division, in Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/1525/2025, ordered INEC to allow the SDP to participate in the polls taking place across 12 states.
In a statement on Friday, Sam Olumekun, National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee of INEC, said the commission had resolved to comply with the ruling.
“In compliance with the judgement, the names of the candidates submitted manually have been accepted and published on our website. The party will participate in the bye-elections,” the statement read.
Olumekun assured voters that the late development would not disrupt the polls scheduled for Saturday, August 16, 2025.
“The Commission wishes to assure the public, especially voters in the 12 States, that the 11th-hour judgement will not affect the election, which will proceed tomorrow as scheduled.
Meanwhile, the Commission will exercise its legitimate right of appeal under the law,” he added.
The by-elections will be held to fill vacant seats across various constituencies in the 12 affected states.
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