Nigeria’s Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has reversed its earlier decision to exclude candidates from the Social Democratic Party (SDP) from participating in Saturday’s by-elections, following a court ruling mandating their inclusion. The development comes just hours before polls open across 12 states, with INEC assuring voters that the surprise legal turn will not disrupt the electoral process.
Initially, INEC had barred the SDP from the races, citing the party’s failure to submit a valid notice for conducting primaries and its alleged lack of oversight during candidate selection. Under Nigerian electoral guidelines, parties must notify the commission of primary election schedules and allow officials to monitor the proceedings to ensure compliance. The SDP’s omission of these steps led to its disqualification earlier this week.
However, the Abuja Division of the Federal High Court intervened, ordering INEC to reinstate the SDP in a ruling on Friday. The court’s decision, outlined in Case No. FHC/ABJ/CS/1525/2025, compelled the commission to accept manually submitted candidate lists and publish them on its official portal. In a statement, INEC spokesperson Sam Olumekun confirmed compliance but emphasized the body’s intent to challenge the ruling. “While we abide by the court’s directive, the commission reserves the right to pursue an appeal as permitted by law,” he said.
The eleventh-hour legal shift underscores the often contentious nature of electoral preparations in Nigeria, where disputes over candidate eligibility frequently arise. INEC sought to downplay concerns about potential disruptions, stating the elections scheduled for August 16, 2025, would proceed as planned. Over 30 parliamentary seats are up for grabs in regional contests, which are typically held to fill vacancies caused by resignations or deaths.
Analysts note that while the court’s ruling introduces a late procedural adjustment, INEC’s swift adherence reflects efforts to balance legal obligations with logistical readiness. The commission’s ability to update candidate lists and communicate changes efficiently has been tested in past elections, particularly during disputes involving opposition parties.
As voters prepare to cast ballots, the SDP’s reinstatement adds a layer of competition to races in states including Ebonyi, Yobe, and Cross River, though the party’s prospects remain uncertain. Meanwhile, INEC’s planned appeal signals unresolved legal tensions, potentially setting the stage for further challenges after the polls close.
