The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has listed candidates of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) for the scheduled by-elections coming up on Saturday in 12 states .

The commission said it took the decision in deference to the judgement of the Federal High Court, Abuja Division, in Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/1525/2025 served the Commission .

“In the judgement, the Commission was ordered to include the Social Democratic Party (SDP) and its candidates in the bye-elections in 12 States of the Federation.

“The party did not earlier submit a valid notice for the conduct of primaries for the bye-elections. For this reason, they were not monitored by the Commission.”

While indicting its right to appeal, the commission said it is , in complying with the judgement and have manually submitted names of the candidates which it said have been accepted and published on the commission’s website. INEC added that SDP candidates will participate in the bye-elections.

A statement signed by Sam Olumekun, INEC’s National Commissioner and Chairman, Information & Voter Education Committee said the election will proceed as scheduled and will not be affected by the late judgement.

“The Commission wishes to assure the public, especially voters in the 12 States, that the 11th-hour judgement will not affect the election which will proceed tomorrow Saturday 16th August 2025 as scheduled”.