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.
“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.
