The Social Democratic Party (SDP) on Sunday, 3 August, 2025 announced that it has dragged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to court over the Commission’s reported rejection of its candidates for the upcoming by-elections in twelve states across the country, reports Business Today NG
The National Publicity Secretary of SDP, Araba Rufus Aiyenigba, who made this disclosure in a statement issued in Abuja on Sunday, 3 August, 2025 , claimed that INEC acted beyond its powers by refusing to recognize its candidates, despite their nomination through duly conducted primaries.
“The SDP is already challenging INEC’s decision in court,” the statement read. “We trust the judiciary to do justice by compelling the Commission to admit the SDP’s candidates, as they were validly nominated in accordance with the party’s constitution, the Electoral Act, and INEC regulations.”
The party argued that both its candidates and those of the Labour Party were reportedly rejected due to claims of internal party crises. However, it insisted that INEC’s action contradicts a Supreme Court ruling affirming the autonomy of political parties in candidate selection.
“The Commission has no constitutional authority to determine the candidates of political parties or dictate the nomination process,” Aiyenigba added.
