The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC has finally included the candidates of the Social Democratic Party, SDP in the Saturday by-election.

UGAMATV reports that INEC had excluded the party from the race, stating that SDP did not submit a valid notice for the conduct of primaries for the bye-elections.

According to INEC, the primary elections were not monitored by the commission, hence, the move to exclude the candidates.

But the commission was recently ordered by Federal High Court, Abuja Division, in Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/1525/2025 to include SDP in the election taking place in 12 states.

A statement issued on Friday by Sam Olumekun, National Commissioner and Chairman, Information & Voter Education Committee of INEC said the commission has decided to obey the order.

“In compliance with the judgement, the names of the candidates submitted manually have been accepted and published on our website. The party will participate in the bye-elections.

“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.

“Meanwhile, the Commission will exercise its legitimate right of appeal under the law”, the statement added.