The Labour Party has condemned the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for omitting the names of its candidates from the list for the upcoming August 16, 2025 bye-election, describing the move as unlawful, shocking, and a blatant abuse of power.
In a press statement signed by the National Publicity Secretary, Obiora Ifor, the party accused INEC of exceeding its constitutional boundaries and interfering in internal party affairs. According to the Labour Party, the electoral commission has no legal authority to exclude its candidates or selectively determine which elections the party can participate in.
“As a duly registered political party in Nigeria, the Labour Party is fully aware of its rights under the 1999 Constitution and the Electoral Act 2022 (as amended), including the right to sponsor candidates in any election,” the statement read. “No court in Nigeria, not even the Supreme Court, has nullified the current leadership of the Labour Party. The April 4, 2025 Supreme Court ruling merely addressed jurisdictional issues and did not touch the substantive matter.”
The party emphasized that INEC’s interpretation of the court’s ruling is not only flawed but also dangerous, warning that such actions could undermine democracy and the electoral process. It stressed that the Supreme Court had clearly stated that political parties should resolve internal issues using the mechanisms provided in their constitutions, and nowhere did it empower INEC to meddle in those affairs.
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Labour Party urged INEC to immediately upload the names of its duly nominated candidates for the August bye-election and desist from overstepping its regulatory mandate. The party also warned that proceeding with the election without its candidates on the ballot would be a colossal waste of public resources and a serious violation of democratic principles.
Reaffirming its commitment to lawful resistance, the Labour Party stated that it would challenge INEC’s actions in court if the issue is not addressed promptly. It accused unnamed political forces of using government institutions to stifle the party’s progress, declaring that the Labour Party “is not for sale” and will not be intimidated.
Calling on Nigerians and party supporters to stay vigilant, the Labour Party expressed hope that Nigeria’s electoral system would eventually be reformed to ensure accountability, fairness, and transparency. The party also urged its candidates to remain calm and assured them that every legal measure would be taken to secure their inclusion in the bye-election and future polls.