The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has officially included the Social Democratic Party (SDP) and its candidates in the upcoming by-elections scheduled for Saturday, August 16, 2025, across twelve federal states.
The decision follows a ruling by the Federal High Court, Abuja Division, which directed the Commission to ensure the party’s participation.
Initially, INEC had disqualified the SDP from the by-elections, citing procedural lapses. According to the Commission, the party failed to promptly submit a valid notice for primaries’ conduct.
This omission meant that the Commission could not monitor the primary elections, a requirement for validating candidates under the electoral law, effectively barring the SDP from participation.
The matter was brought before the Federal High Court in Abuja under Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/1525/2025. In its judgment, the court ordered INEC to include the SDP and its candidates in all 12 states where by-elections will be held.
The court emphasised that the manually submitted names of the SDP candidates must be accepted and published, allowing the party to compete in the elections.
INEC National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information & Voter Education Committee, Sam Olumekun, confirmed the development on Friday, reassuring the public that the court’s ruling would not disrupt the electoral process.
“The Commission has been served with the judgment of the Federal High Court, Abuja Division, in Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/1525/2025. In compliance with this ruling, the names of SDP candidates submitted manually have been accepted and published on our official website. Consequently, the party will now participate in the by-elections,” Olumekun stated.
He added that while the Commission has complied with the court order, it reserves the right to appeal the decision through legal channels, under Nigerian electoral law.
This ensures that the Commission’s actions remain within the legal framework, while upholding the integrity of the election process.
INEC further assured voters, particularly those in the affected states, that including the SDP will not cause delays or changes to the scheduled by-elections.
The Commission emphasised its commitment to conducting free, fair, and credible elections, and encouraged all eligible voters to participate actively in the electoral exercise.
Political analysts suggest that the court ruling could influence the dynamics of the by-elections, as the SDP is expected to add more competition in constituencies where elections will take place.
Meanwhile, parties and candidates across the twelve states are preparing for what promises to be closely contested elections.
The Commission has advised all political parties to adhere strictly to electoral regulations and timelines. INEC reaffirmed its commitment to transparency, stating that it will continue to monitor the electoral process closely and take necessary steps to ensure the integrity of the elections.