***Commission Complies, Publishes Names for 12 States Despite Late Ruling
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has confirmed it will include Social Democratic Party (SDP) candidates in Saturday’s by-elections across 12 states, following a last-minute court order.
In Suit No.FHC/ABJ/CS/1525/2025, the Federal High Court in Abuja directed the electoral body to list the SDP and its candidates for the polls.
The party had initially been excluded after failing to submit a valid notice for the conduct of primaries — a process INEC said it could not monitor.
INEC, while reserving its right to appeal, said it had “manually submitted” the candidates’ names in compliance with the judgment and published them on its website.
“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,” said National Commissioner and Chairman, Information & Voter Education Committee, Sam Olumekun.
The move clears the way for SDP’s participation in the contests, despite the court ruling landing just a day before voters head to the polls.