Court Orders INEC To Include SDP In The By-election in 12 States

The Federal High Court, Abuja Division has ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission INEC to include the Social Democratic Party (SDP) and its candidates in the bye-elections in 12 States of the Federation.

In the judgement on the suit, Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/1525/2025, the court ordered the electoral empire to accept the names of the candidates of the SDP submitted manually.

In response through a statement endorsed by the National Commissioner and Chairman,
Information & Voter Education Committee of the Commission, Sam Olumekun mni on Friday, INEC acknowledged the receipt of the court order and in turn accepted the list, I’m compliance to the court order.

“The Commission has been served with the judgement of the Federal High Court, Abuja Division, in Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/1525/2025. In the judgement, the Commission was ordered to include the Social Democratic Party (SDP) and its candidates in the bye-elections in 12 States of the Federation. The party did not earlier submit a valid notice for the conduct of primaries for the bye-elections. For this reason, they were not monitored by the Commission.”

“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 bye-elections.”

It further assured the public, especially voters in the By-election that the last minute changes would not affect the election.

“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.”