By Abiola Olawale
The Social Democratic Party (SDP) has launched a legal battle against the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), challenging the commission’s rejection of its candidates for the upcoming by-elections across 12 Nigerian states.
The party alleged that INEC’s actions are unconstitutional and violate a Supreme Court ruling affirming the autonomy of political parties in candidates selection process for an election.
In a statement issued by the SDP National Publicity Secretary, Araba Rufus Aiyenigba, the party condemned INEC’s decision as an “overreach of its constitutional authority.”
Recall that the electoral commission had derecognised SDP candidates, alongside those of the Labour Party (LP), citing internal party crises as the basis of its action.
However, the SDP insisted that its candidates were validly nominated through proper primaries conducted by the party in line with its constitution, the Electoral Act, and INEC’s guidelines.
The statement reads in part: “The SDP is already challenging INEC’s decision in court. 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.
READ ALSO: Akpabio Felicitates With Muslims At Sallah, Drums Support For Tinubu’s Govt The President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio on Tuesday felicitated with Muslims over the Eid-el-Kabir celebrations and urged Nigerians to support the administration of President Bola Tinubu. Akpabio, in a release, implored Muslims in Nigeria to imbibe the spirit of the season, reminding them that the “essence of the season which underscores our submission to the will of the Almighty God and the importance of sacrifice in our daily life should not be lost on us.” The Senate President recalled that since Tinubu’s inauguration began on May 29, he has taken some bold steps in the right direction. He noted that some of the actions may be inconveniencing, and hailed the resilience of Nigerians in the face of current challenges. “I salute the resilience and patriotism of Nigerians in the face of the current challenges facing our nation. We should all see it as part of the process of nation-building. “Even though the measures bring with them some inconveniences, I earnestly appeal to fellow Nigerians to look at the larger picture of the expected outcomes, be patient with the new government and give it their full support to take Nigeria out of the woods,” Akpabio added. See the full statement below: I most happily join Nigerians, particularly the Muslim Ummah, in celebrating this year’s Sallah festival. I especially rejoice with our dear President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as he celebrates the first Eid-el-Kabir as President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. I also congratulate the Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima, and the Chief of Staff to the President, Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, on the occasion of the celebrations of an important pillar of Islam.As we join our Muslim brethren to observe this day, the essence of the season which underscores our submission to the will of the Almighty God and the importance of sacrifice in our daily life should not be lost on us. I salute the resilience and patriotism of Nigerians in the face of the current challenges facing our nation. We should all see it as part of the process of nation building. In just a few weeks since his inauguration, President Tinubu has taken some bold steps which have been globally acclaimed as being in the right direction. Even though the measures bring with them some inconveniences, I earnestly appeal to fellow Nigerians to look at the larger picture of the expected outcomes, be patient with the new government and give it their full support to take Nigeria out of the woods. The 10th National Assembly will do its utmost to provide President Tinubu-led government complementary support through necessary legislative interventions for the benefit of Nigerians. We will, in the process, ensure inclusivity, fairness and justice for Nigerians through legislations. I wish you all a happy celebrations. Signed: Godswill Obot Akpabio, CON
“The Commission has no constitutional authority to determine the candidates of political parties or dictate the nomination process.”
The New Diplomat reports that the by-elections, scheduled for August 16, 2025, cover constituencies in 12 states and include the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Area Council polls.
The SDP’s legal action comes amid its internal challenges, including a leadership crisis that recently led to the emergence of a new National Working Committee (NWC) under its Acting National Chairman Adamu Modibo.
The crisis also saw the suspension of former National Chairman Shehu Gabam, National Auditor Nze Nnadi Clarkson, and National Youth Leader Uchechukwu Chukwuma for alleged financial misconduct.
Additionally, the party announced a 30-year ban on former Kaduna State Governor Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, accusing him of falsely claiming the SDP’s membership while promoting another party’s interests.
