INEC Clears SDP Candidates for Saturday’s By-Election After Court Order

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has confirmed the inclusion of candidates of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) in Saturday’s by-election following a court directive.

Earlier, INEC had excluded the SDP from the polls, citing non-compliance with electoral guidelines. According to the Commission, the party failed to submit a valid notice for the conduct of primaries, and the process was not monitored by INEC officials, leading to the disqualification of its candidates.

However, the Federal High Court, Abuja Division, in Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/1525/2025, ordered INEC to reinstate the party’s candidates for the elections scheduled to hold across 12 states.

Responding to the ruling, INEC, in a statement issued on Friday by Sam Olumekun, National Commissioner and Chairman, Information & Voter Education Committee, confirmed compliance with the judgment.

“In compliance with the judgment, 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.

The Commission assured voters in the affected states that the late judgment would not disrupt the exercise.

“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, Saturday 16th August 2025, as scheduled,” Olumekun added.

INEC further noted that while it will abide by the ruling, it reserves the legal right to appeal the decision.