The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), in compliance with the judgement of the Federal High Court, Abuja has included the Social Democratic Party (SDP) and its candidates in the by-elections holding on Saturday in 12 States of the Federation.
However, the electoral body stressed that it would exercise its legitimate right of appeal under the law
INEC National Commissioner and Chairman, Information & Voter Education Committee, Sam Olumekun in a statement issued Friday acknowledged that the Commission has been served with the judgement of the Federal High Court, Abuja Division, in Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/1525/2025.
He revealed that in the judgement, the Commission was ordered to include the Social Democratic Party (SDP) and its candidates in the by-elections in 12 States of the Federation.
The commission noted that the party did not earlier submit a valid notice for the conduct of primaries for the by-elections, saying that for this reason, they were not monitored by the Commission.
Olumekun added: “However, 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 by-elections.
“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.
“Meanwhile, the Commission will exercise its legitimate right of appeal under the law.”