The 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 twelve states.
This is contained in a statement signed by the National Publicity Secretary of the party, Araba Rufus Aiyenigba in Abuja.
The statement argues that it validly nominated its candidates through properly conducted primaries in accordance with the SDP Constitution, the Electoral Act and INEC regulations.
It states that the commission’s rejection of its candidates, along with those of the Labour Party, LP, was based on the alleged internal crises within the parties.
It stresses that the commission overstepped its bounds by making such a decision.
According to the statement, 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 states.
