The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) says it has complied with a Federal High Court ruling ordering the inclusion of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) and its candidates in bye-elections taking place in 12 states tomorrow, Saturday, August 16, 2025.
According to INEC’s National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information & Voter Education Committee, Sam Olumekun, the Commission had earlier excluded the SDP because the party failed to submit a valid notice for the conduct of primaries, which meant its primaries were not monitored.
However, the court, in Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/1525/2025, directed INEC to accept and publish the manually submitted list of the party’s candidates.
Olumekun confirmed that the names have now been uploaded on the Commission’s website and that the SDP will participate in the polls.
He assured voters that the “11th-hour judgement” would not disrupt the bye-elections, which will go ahead as scheduled.
Meanwhile, INEC stated it would exercise its legal right to appeal the ruling.
