The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has confirmed that it will now include the candidates of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) in upcoming bye-elections across 12 states, following a court order. According to Mediaplusng.com, the decision came after the Federal High Court, Abuja Division, in Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/1525/2025, directed the electoral body to accept the party’s candidates.
Initially, the SDP was excluded from the process because it failed to submit a valid notice for the conduct of primaries for the bye-elections. As a result, the primaries were not monitored by INEC.
In a statement issued on Friday, 15th August 2025, INEC’s National Commissioner and Chairman, Information & Voter Education Committee, Mr. Sam Olumekun, explained that in compliance with the court judgement, the Commission has accepted and published the manually submitted names of the SDP candidates on its official website. The party will now participate in the elections.
Mediaplusng.com reports that INEC assured the public, especially voters in the affected 12 states, that the last-minute judgement would not disrupt the polls scheduled for Saturday, 16th August 2025. The Commission further stated that it would exercise its legitimate right to appeal the decision under the law.
The bye-elections will proceed as planned, with voters in 12 states expected to choose new representatives in various constituencies.
