The Social Democratic Party (SDP) has rejected reports claiming it has withdrawn from the Ekiti State governorship election scheduled for June 20, describing the claims as false, misleading, and politically motivated.

In a statement issued on Wednesday by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Mr Araba Aiyenigba, the SDP insisted that its governorship candidate, Amb. Isaac Alade, remains fully in the race and will participate in the election as scheduled. The party also stressed that it remains validly listed on the ballot by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), and that its candidate had already taken part in the commission’s peace accord ahead of the poll.

According to Aiyenigba, the rumours suggesting withdrawal did not originate from the party’s leadership, but from political opponents and individuals not recognised within the SDP structure. He accused certain actors of deliberately spreading misinformation in an attempt to confuse voters and undermine the party’s participation in the election.

“The reports of withdrawal are the handiwork of political opponents and individuals not recognised by the party,” he said, adding that the SDP remains committed to the electoral process.

The party further raised concerns over alleged difficulties in accessing INEC’s platform for the upload of polling unit agents ahead of the election. Aiyenigba stated that although the electoral commission issued an access code to the party’s national secretariat, officials reportedly failed to activate the portal required for submitting agents’ details.

He warned that such administrative challenges, if unresolved, could affect the credibility of the electoral process and potentially disenfranchise the party’s structure at polling unit level. Despite these concerns, the SDP reaffirmed its intention to remain active in the contest and to present what it described as a credible alternative for voters in Ekiti State.

“SDP remains committed to participating in the election and providing a credible alternative platform for the people of Ekiti State,” Aiyenigba stated. The party also reiterated its broader commitment to credible elections, democratic governance, and national development, urging its supporters to disregard withdrawal rumours and remain mobilised ahead of the poll.