Nigeria’s Social Democratic Party (SDP) dismisses reports that it has withdrawn from the Ekiti State governorship election scheduled for Saturday, June 20, 2026. The party, through statements by its national publicity spokespersons and leadership, says the rumours are false and misleading and that its governorship candidate, Isaac Alade, remains fully in the race. SDP says its name is on the ballot paper and that the candidate is recognised by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). The party also points to its signing of the INEC Peace Pact as part of its position that it is still participating in the contest.

Alongside the denial, SDP raises concerns about what it describes as INEC’s refusal to allow it to upload names of polling unit agents, despite providing access codes. The party warns that the issue could affect election processes and credibility. SDP calls on voters to ignore what it characterizes as a “fabricated withdrawal notice” being circulated by others to confuse the electorate, while reiterating its readiness to participate in the election.