ABUJA - The Social Democratic Party SDP has filed a lawsuit against the Independent National Electoral Commission INEC over the Commissions reported rejection of its candidates for the upcoming by-elections in twelve states across the country.
In a statement issued on Sunday by the SDP National Publicity Secretary, Araba Rufus Aiyenigba, the party claimed that INEC acted beyond its powers by refusing to recognize its candidates, despite their nomination through duly conducted primaries.
"The SDP is already challenging INECs decision in court," the statement read. "We trust the judiciary to do justice by compelling the Commission to admit the SDPs candidates, as they were validly nominated in accordance with the partys constitution, the Electoral Act, and INEC regulations."
The SDP further argued that both its candidates and those of the Labour Party were reportedly rejected due to claims of internal party crises. However, it insisted that INECs action contradicts a Supreme Court ruling affirming the autonomy of political parties in candidate selection.