The Social Democratic Party, SDP, has dispelled the rumour being peddled by some opposing politicians in Ekiti State that the party, has selected some people and sent their names to the Independent National Electoral Commission as dummy candidates in the State.
According to the party, this is far from the truth as the party, stated it will not engage in any act that is undemocratic.
It explained that hundreds of aspirants bought Expression of Interest forms in the party in the State to contest for National and State Assemblies positions and that only those who emerged as party candidates were allowed to purchase Nomination Forms, meaning that those who did not get Nomination Forms were already out of the race.
“This we did in consideration of the economic situation of the country and to lessen the financial burden on our party members, bearing in mind that we have a crucial governorship election in Ekiti State.
“In compliance with Section 84 (9) of the Electoral Act (as amended), our candidates emerged through consensus arrangement and their names will be sent to INEC in accordance with Section 29 of the Electoral Act (as amended).
It is a fact known to all that once this is done, it is only in the event of death or voluntary withdrawal by the candidates that can alter the names already submitted to INEC.
Our party will not compel any candidate to withdraw as being speculated, the SDP declared.
