The Julius Abure-led Labour Party (LP) has strongly condemned the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for allegedly omitting its candidates from the upcoming bye-elections scheduled for August 16, 2025.
In a statement released in Abuja on Saturday and signed by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Obiora Ifoh, the LP described INEC’s action as “unlawful, surprising, and an abuse of power.”
“The party is aware that INEC has no powers to stop it from sponsoring candidates or to choose which elections the party can participate in,” Ifoh said.
The party said it remains a legally recognized political party with full rights under the Nigerian Constitution and the 2022 Electoral Act to sponsor candidates in elections.
“There is no court in Nigeria, including the Supreme Court, that has removed the current leadership of the Labour Party,” Ifoh added.
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Referring to the April 4, 2025 Supreme Court judgment, the party explained that the ruling was only about jurisdiction and did not address any internal leadership issues.
“The courts, including the Supreme Court, have no authority to decide on internal matters of a political party. INEC should not interfere in our affairs or misinterpret the court’s decision,” the statement said.
The LP warned that if INEC fails to correct the omission, the party would take legal action.
“We will challenge this in court. Labour Party is not for sale. We will resist any attempt to intimidate or weaken us using state institutions,” Ifoh stated.
He also warned that holding the bye-election without Labour Party candidates would be “a colossal waste of public resources.”
“We urge INEC to immediately list our candidates for the August 16 bye-election and refrain from acting outside its legal limits,” the party said.
The LP called on Nigerians and its supporters to remain calm and hopeful.
“To our candidates, stay strong. We will do everything lawful to ensure your names are on the ballot,” Ifoh concluded.