The Social Democratic Party (SDP) has strongly criticized the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for rejecting its candidates for the upcoming by-elections in 12 states, scheduled for August 16, 2025. The party contends that it conducted valid primaries in accordance with the SDP Constitution, the Electoral Act, and INEC regulations.
SDP’s national publicity secretary, Araba Rufus Aiyenigba, issued a statement asserting that INEC’s rejection of their candidates, along with those of the Labour Party (LP), was based on unsubstantiated claims of internal crises within the parties. Aiyenigba emphasized that INEC has overstepped its authority with this decision.
The SDP argues that INEC’s actions violate a Supreme Court ruling that prohibits the electoral body from rejecting candidates chosen by political parties. The party has expressed confidence that the courts will deliver justice and compel INEC to accept their candidates for the by-elections.
Amidst the rejection of its candidates, the SDP is currently embroiled in a leadership crisis, which led to the emergence of a new faction led by Adamu Modibo as acting national chairman on July 25, 2025. Modibo has pledged to initiate reconciliation efforts within the party.
INEC has scheduled by-elections to fill vacancies in 16 constituencies across 12 states on August 16, 2025. These elections will cover two senatorial districts, five federal constituencies, and nine state assembly seats.
