INEC Excludes Labour Party from August 16 By-election, Party Reacts

The Labour Party has strongly condemned the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) over the exclusion of its candidates from the forthcoming August 16, 2025 by-election. The party, led by Barr. Julius Abure, described the move as unlawful, politically motivated, and a clear abuse of power.

In a statement issued by the National Publicity Secretary, Obiora Ifoh, the party accused INEC of acting beyond its constitutional mandate by failing to include Labour Party candidates in the list for the scheduled polls. He insisted that as a duly registered political party in Nigeria, Labour Party retains the legal right to sponsor candidates for any election, as guaranteed by the Constitution and the Electoral Act 2022 (as amended).

“No section of the law gives INEC the authority to prevent any political party from fielding candidates, provided the party has complied with the requirements of the Electoral Act,” Ifoh stated.

He cited the Supreme Court judgement delivered on April 4, 2025, which, according to him, only ruled on jurisdictional issues concerning the leadership crisis in the party and not on the legitimacy of the current leadership. Ifoh stressed that the court clearly avoided interference in internal party matters, maintaining that such issues must be resolved through mechanisms provided in the party’s constitution.

“At no point did the Supreme Court give INEC the power to meddle in our party’s affairs. The commission is a regulatory body, not a judicial one. It must operate strictly within the legal framework that established it,” he added.

The Labour Party has called on INEC to immediately reverse its decision and include its nominated candidates for the August 16 by-election. The party warned that any continued interference would be legally challenged and described the commission’s actions as an attempt to undermine democracy and silence political opposition.

“INEC cannot arrogate to itself the role of the judiciary by interpreting or misinterpreting court judgments to suit external interests. This action, if not corrected, will lead to a colossal waste of public funds and further erode public confidence in the electoral process,” the party stated.

Reaffirming its stance as a party committed to democratic principles and the protection of the masses, Labour Party said it would resist every attempt to stifle its progress. It also warned that institutions allowing themselves to be used for political manipulation would be held accountable.

The party urged its members to remain calm and vigilant, assuring candidates and supporters that it would do everything within the law to ensure their names appear on the ballot. It also encouraged Nigerians to keep faith in the nation’s democratic journey and remain hopeful that the electoral system can still be reformed to uphold fairness, justice, and accountability.