Labour Party Condemns INEC’s Candidate Omission from August Bye-Election, Declares Intent to Challenge Alleged Abuse of Office

 

The Labour Party has strongly condemned the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for excluding its candidates from participating in the forthcoming August 16, 2025 bye-election. Describing the action as an unlawful interference with its democratic rights, the party accuses the electoral body of exceeding its statutory limits and attempting to meddle in internal party affairs.

In a statement signed by the party's National Publicity Secretary, Obiora Ifoh, the Labour Party expressed shock and disappointment at what it labeled a deliberate and calculated omission. The party insists that INEC's action is not just surprising but also constitutes a gross abuse of power that undermines the integrity of the electoral process.

Labour Party emphasized its constitutional right, as a duly registered political party in Nigeria, to sponsor candidates for any election conducted in the country. The party stated that these rights are enshrined in the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as well as the Electoral Act 2022 (as amended). According to the statement, INEC does not possess the authority to determine which elections a political party may or may not participate in.

Highlighting recent legal precedents, the party referenced the Supreme Court’s April 4, 2025 judgment which, it stressed, did not revoke the legitimacy of the current Labour Party leadership. The party clarified that the apex court only ruled on jurisdictional issues and did not delve into the internal affairs of the party. Furthermore, the party pointed out that the Supreme Court reaffirmed that it is not within the judiciary’s mandate to adjudicate on internal matters of political parties.

The statement added that nowhere in the Supreme Court ruling was INEC given the latitude to interfere in a party’s internal decisions. Labour Party maintains that INEC's primary responsibility is to act as an impartial regulatory body, not to interpret court rulings or to insert itself into political dynamics beyond its purview.

Party officials are demanding that INEC immediately upload the names of all duly nominated Labour Party candidates for the upcoming bye-election. The statement urged the commission to avoid further interference, stressing that doing so could create constitutional chaos and undermine democracy.

Failure by INEC to reverse its decision, the party warned, will result in swift legal action. Labour Party described itself as a responsible and law-abiding organization that will utilize every legal mechanism available to ensure that no institution intimidates, marginalizes, or attempts to suppress its political aspirations.

The party also issued a cautionary note, asserting that proceeding with the bye-election without Labour Party’s inclusion would not only be irresponsible but could lead to significant financial and democratic losses. Describing such a scenario as catastrophic, the party warned that the cost implications of re-running such an election could be enormous.

Refusing to be deterred by what it termed a calculated attempt by political actors to weaken its growing influence, the Labour Party reaffirmed its resolve to continue standing as a voice for the masses. The party declared that it is not for sale and will resist any efforts by politicians or institutions attempting to derail its progress through unfair practices.

Labour Party further urged Nigerians, especially its members and supporters, to remain alert and prayerful. The statement encouraged vigilance in the face of what it described as systematic attempts to frustrate the nation's democratic process. According to the party, a time will come when those responsible for such actions and omissions will be held accountable.

A message of reassurance was also directed at all candidates affected by the omission. Labour Party promised to pursue every legal and procedural avenue to ensure that their names are included on the ballot for the August 16, 2025 bye-election. The party emphasized that it will remain relentless in the face of adversity and committed to restoring faith in Nigeria’s democratic institutions.

The statement concluded with a firm commitment to upholding justice and democracy in Nigeria, vowing not to bow to pressure or manipulation by vested interests. As the situation unfolds, all eyes are now on INEC and how it intends to respond to these serious allegations and calls for immediate redress.