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Elections

Federal High Court Orders INEC to Accept SDP Candidates in 16 By-Elections

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

The Federal High Court has ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to accept all candidates of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) to participate in the 16 by-elections scheduled to hold in 12 states on August 16, 2025. The ruling was made in a judgment delivered by Justice Emeka Nwite in suit number FHC/ABJ/CS/1525/2025, filed by the SDP against INEC over the reported rejection of its candidates. The SDP argued that its candidates were validly nominated in accordance with the party's constitution, the Electoral Act, and INEC regulations. The court's decision comes as a relief to the SDP and its supporters, who had been seeking to participate in the by-elections.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Federal High Court ordered INEC to accept all candidates of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) to participate in the 16 by-elections scheduled to hold in 12 states on August 16, 2025.
  • The SDP alleged that INEC acted beyond its powers by refusing to recognise its candidates, despite their nomination through duly conducted primaries.
  • The party claimed that its candidates were validly nominated in accordance with the party's constitution, the Electoral Act, and INEC regulations.
  • The court ordered INEC to publish the names of all SDP candidates and to display the party's logo on all relevant election materials.
  • The by-elections will be held in 12 states, covering two senatorial seats, five federal constituencies, and nine state constituencies.
  • The senatorial districts are Anambra South and Edo Central in Anambra and Edo states, respectively.
  • The five federal constituencies are Ovia South West/Ovia South East (Edo), Babura/Garki (Jigawa), Chikun/Kajuru (Kaduna), Ikenne/Shagamu/Remo North (Ogun), and Ibadan North (Oyo).
  • The nine state constituencies are Ganye (Adamawa), Onitsha North (Anambra), Dekina/Okura (Kogi), Zaria Kewaye and Basawa (Kaduna), Bagwai/Shanono (Kano), Mariga (Niger), Karim Lamido I (Taraba), and Kauran Namoda South (Zamfara).
  • The National Secretary of the SDP, Dr. Olu Agunloye, issued a statement after the judgment, stating that the party is committed to ensuring a peaceful and transparent election process.

Statistics:

  • 16 by-elections will be held in 12 states on August 16, 2025.
  • 2 senatorial seats will be contested in the by-elections.
  • 5 federal constituencies will be contested in the by-elections.
  • 9 state constituencies will be contested in the by-elections.
  • A total of 13 candidates of the SDP were recognized by the court to participate in the by-elections.

Sources:

  • [Source 1] Justice Emeka Nwite's judgment in suit number FHC/ABJ/CS/1525/2025, filed by the SDP against INEC.
  • [Source 2] Statement issued by the National Secretary of the SDP, Dr. Olu Agunloye, after the judgment.

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