Social Democratic Party (SDP) has kicked against the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) over its decision to reject the party’s candidates for the upcoming by-elections in 12 states.
The party argued that it validly nominated its candidates through properly conducted primaries in accordance with the SDP Constitution, the Electoral Act and INEC regulations.
The national publicity secretary of SDP, Araba Rufus Aiyenigba, in a statement, said the commission’s rejection of their candidates, along with those of the Labour Party (LP), was based on the alleged internal crises within the parties.
Aiyenigba stressed that the commission overstepped its bounds by making such a decision.
The party said INEC’s actions were in violation of the ruling of the Supreme Court, which prohibits INEC from rejecting candidates chosen by political parties.
“It is not within the Commission’s jurisdiction to dictate the process by which political parties select their candidates. The SDP party is confident that the court will deliver justice and compel INEC to admit our candidates for the bye-elections.
“The party remains steadfast in defending its rights and upholding the principles of democracy.” Aiyenigba stated.
