LABOUR PARTY SCORES MAJOR LEGAL VICTORY AS COURT ORDERS INEC TO UPLOAD CANDIDATES FOR BYE-ELECTIONS

In a significant development ahead of the August 16 bye-elections, the Nasarawa State High Court has ruled in favor of the Labour Party, ordering the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to recognize Barrister Julius Abure and Alhaji Umar Farouk Ibrahim as the party's legitimate leaders. 

The court also directed INEC to upload the details of all Labour Party candidates nominated for the bye-elections without delay.

The ruling, delivered on July 23, 2025, by Justice Mustapha A. Ramat in Suit No. NSD/LF.84/2024, compels INEC to grant the Abure-led National Working Committee access to the commission's candidate portal. 

This will enable them to input and publish their nominees for both the August 16 bye-elections and the 2026 FCT Area Council elections.

However, despite the court's clear directive, INEC has refused to publish the Labour Party's candidate list, raising concerns that the party is being deliberately sidelined. 

This development has sparked fears that the party's candidates may be denied fair competition, a complaint that mirrors similar last-minute restrictions faced by the party in past elections.

Julius Abure National Chairman LP 

Reacting to the development, Labour Party's National Publicity Secretary, Obiora Ifoh, described the judgment as a "welcome intervention." However, he condemned INEC's actions as a "systemic plot" to deny Labour Party candidates fair competition. 

Chief Obiora Ifoh National Publicity Secretary 

Ifoh stated that the party's candidates have been robbed of the time and opportunity to campaign like others, citing similar treatment in the past, particularly in Ondo, where INEC granted the party's candidate portal access barely 24 hours before the election.

Umar Farouk Ibrahim National Secretary 

The court adjourned the main case to September 22, 2025, but its interlocutory order stands, compelling INEC to act immediately. 

Labour Party leaders are urging members and supporters to rally behind their candidates and ensure victory despite the odds.

This development has significant implications for the Labour Party and its candidates, and the party's ability to participate in the upcoming bye-elections. 

The party's leaders and supporters are eagerly awaiting INEC's compliance with the court's order, which will enable them to move forward with their campaigns and ensure a level playing field.

Prof Mohmood Yakubu INEC Chairman 

As the situation unfolds, one thing is clear: the Labour Party is determined to assert its rights and participate in the electoral process, despite the challenges posed by INEC's actions. 

The party's leaders and supporters are rallying behind their candidates, and they are confident that they will emerge victorious in the bye-elections.

Labour Party official Logo 

In the face of this development, it remains to be seen how INEC will respond to the court's order and whether the Labour Party will be able to participate fully in the bye-elections. 

One thing is certain, however: the Labour Party will continue to fight for its rights and ensure that its candidates are given a fair chance to compete.