SDP Decides to Contest By-elections Despite Failure to Oversee Their Own Primary Elections - INEC
The Social Democratic Party (SDP) will participate in the by-elections scheduled for twelve states of the federation on Saturday, 16th August, 2025. This decision comes despite the party's failure to submit a valid notice for the conduct of primaries, which typically disqualifies a party from participating in elections.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had not monitored the SDP's primaries, leading to this predicament. However, a High Court in Abuja intervened on August 14, 2025, by issuing a ruling that ordered INEC to accept all SDP candidates for the by-elections.
In response to the court order, INEC officially announced that it would comply with the ruling. This means that the names of SDP candidates were accepted and published on INEC's website, allowing them to participate in the by-elections.
The late decision by the court posed logistical challenges, but INEC assured that the elections would proceed smoothly. The commission intends to exercise its legitimate right of appeal under the law regarding the court ruling.
Despite not being monitored by INEC, the SDP will be allowed to participate in the election based on the court order. It is important to note that INEC has not withdrawn recognition of Julius Abure as LP Chairman.
This development marks a significant turn of events in the electoral process, ensuring that the SDP maintains its presence in the electoral arena. The scheduled election will not be affected by the late-hour judgement.
- The Social Democratic Party (SDP) will participate in the upcoming by-elections despite not submitting a valid notice for primaries, thanks to a High Court in Abuja's August 14, 2025, ruling that ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to accept all SDP candidates.
- The names of SDP candidates for the by-elections were accepted and published on INEC's website, ensuring the party's participation in the upcoming election.
- The election process in Nigeria has seen a significant turn of events, as the late-hour judgement in favor of SDP does not affect the scheduled election.
- Despite not having its primaries monitored by INEC, the SDP maintains its presence in the electoral arena due to the court order, and Julius Abure continues as the recognized Chairman of the LP.
