The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has included the Social Democratic Party (SDP) in today’s by-elections across 16 constituencies in 12 states, following a Federal High Court order.
INEC’s National Commissioner, Sam Olumekun, confirmed in a statement that SDP candidates’ names have been published, stressing that the late judgement would not halt the polls. The elections cover two senatorial districts in Anambra and Edo, five federal constituencies in Edo, Jigawa, Kaduna, Ogun, and Oyo, and nine state constituencies across Adamawa, Anambra, Kaduna, Kano, Kogi, Niger, Taraba, and Zamfara. Court-ordered reruns will also hold in Enugu and Kano.
In Kaduna, ex-governor Nasir El-Rufai backed ADC and SDP candidates, while Governor Uba Sani campaigned for APC candidates, sparking accusations of planned rigging by an ADC/SDP coalition. The state police have imposed movement restrictions in four LGAs.
In Kano, parties signed a peace accord as police warned against bias, while INEC confirmed readiness with materials already deployed. Similar assurances came from Kogi, Taraba, Zamfara, and Niger, where sensitive materials were distributed and security beefed up.
In Edo, the APC and PDP traded accusations over plans to disrupt the senatorial by-election. Police deployed 7,825 officers and ordered movement restrictions.
In Anambra, Labour Party lawmakers raised fears of state interference, while ex-LP presidential candidate Peter Obi faced criticism for campaigning for ADC’s Justina Azuka.
Security agencies nationwide have pledged heavy deployment to ensure a peaceful, free, and fair exercise.
