Abure-Led Labour Party Slams INEC Over Omission in August 16 By-Election
Abuja, Nigeria – August 3, 2025
In a statement issued by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Obiora Ifoh, the LP condemned the exclusion as “surprising and unlawful,” insisting that the party remains a duly registered political body with full rights to field candidates under the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the Electoral Act 2022 (as amended).
Labour Party: INEC Overstepping Its Bounds
Ifoh maintained that no Nigerian court, including the Supreme Court, has derecognized the current leadership of the Labour Party. He stressed that the April 4, 2025 Supreme Court ruling only struck out the case on jurisdictional grounds without addressing the substantive issues, reiterating that courts are barred from interfering in the internal matters of political parties.
“At no point did the Supreme Court empower INEC to interfere with the internal affairs of our party. INEC must limit itself to the provisions of the law and cannot cherry-pick which elections we can or cannot field candidates in,” Ifoh said.
The party demanded that INEC immediately upload the names of its duly nominated candidates for the August 16 by-election, warning that failure to do so would be challenged in court.
‘Labour Party Not for Sale’
Describing the omission as part of a “renewed onslaught” against the party, the LP accused unnamed politicians of attempting to use institutions to undermine its progress.
“Labour Party is not for sale, and any institution making itself available to be used by politicians will have itself to blame. We have built a reputation over 23 years as a party for the masses and will not succumb to intimidation or harassment,” the statement added.
Warning to INEC and Call for Vigilance
The party warned that proceeding with the by-election without its candidates on the ballot would result in a “colossal waste of scarce national resources,” urging Nigerians and party members to remain vigilant.
“We call on our candidates to remain calm as we explore all legal means to ensure their names are included. We also urge Nigerians to pray for a time when the nation’s electoral process will finally get it right, and those in authority will take responsibility for their actions,” the LP said.
