SDP Challenges INEC’s Decision to Reject Bye-Election Candidates in Court
The Social Democratic Party (SDP) has approached the court to challenge the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) decision to reject its candidates for upcoming bye-elections in 12 states.
According to Araba Rufus Aiyenigba, the SDP National Publicity Secretary, the party’s candidates were validly nominated through properly conducted primaries in accordance with the SDP Constitution, the Electoral Act, and INEC regulations.
INEC reportedly rejected the SDP and Labour Party candidates due to alleged internal crises within the parties.
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However, the SDP argues that INEC’s decision contravene the ruling of the Supreme Court, which established that the Commission lacks the authority to determine the candidates of political parties or dictate the process by which they nominate their candidates.
The SDP is confident that the court will do justice and compel INEC to admit its candidates.
Aiyenigba emphasized that the party’s primaries were conducted in accordance with the law and party regulations, and therefore, INEC’s rejection of its candidates is unlawful.
The court is expected to determine the outcome of the SDP’s challenge to INEC’s decision.
If the court rules in favor of the SDP, the party’s candidates may be allowed to participate in the bye-elections.
However, if the court upholds INEC’s decision, the SDP may be excluded from the electoral process.
