Removing Labour Party From Bye-election Ballot Unconstitutional, Says Olorunfemi
The delisting of the Labour Party by INEC is both illegal and unconstitutional, asserts the Deputy National Chairman of the Labour Party, Dr. Ayo Olorunfemi.
He criticized the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for removing the party’s name and emblem from the roster of parties participating in the by-elections slated for August 16, 2025, across various Nigerian states.
In an interview, Olorunfemi, aligned with the Abure-led leadership, condemned INEC’s actions as unlawful and procedurally deficient, emphasizing that there has been no communication between INEC and the Labour Party concerning this decision.
Olorunfemi argued that public offices must adhere to due process, and INEC’s silence indicates it is operating beyond its jurisdiction.
He highlighted that INEC cannot unilaterally decide a party’s leadership, referencing a legitimately held national convention compliant with the Electoral Act.
He pointed out that INEC was notified 100 days in advance of the convention, surpassing the mandatory 21 days, and mentioned that a court ruling has since affirmed the convention and its results.
“There exists a substantive court judgment validating the convention, which remains unchallenged. The same individual now sowing discord presided over the convention that reinstated Abure as the elected leader. How can one approbate and reprobate simultaneously?” he questioned.
The party has initiated legal proceedings to contest INEC’s actions, with Olorunfemi confirming, “We filed the case on Wednesday.”
Meanwhile, a source within Senator Nenadi Usman’s faction termed the Labour Party’s exclusion from the by-elections as “a necessary political reality check.” The source, speaking anonymously, contended that exclusion from the ballot is preferable to participating under “illegitimate structures” and risking humiliating defeats.
The source accused INEC of duplicity and subtle partisanship, alleging that the commission has failed to clarify its stance on the Supreme Court’s April 4, 2025, ruling, which nullified Julius Abure’s leadership as LP National Chairman.
“It is preferable for the Labour Party not to appear on the ballot rather than to participate and score less than the APC or the PDP,” the source stated. “Abure is fielding candidates without legitimacy. The structures he used for primaries are null and void. Yet, INEC seems confused.”
The source further claimed that powerful interests are exerting pressure on INEC not to acknowledge the Nenadi Usman-led leadership, despite its legitimacy affirmed by the Supreme Court ruling.
“INEC is reluctant to clarify its position. From our observations, there is clear political pressure on them not to recognize the Nenadi Usman team. However, if they proceed to list Abure as chairman on their portal despite the Supreme Court ruling, they are engaging in a perilous game,” the source added.
The source confirmed that none of the LP primaries conducted for the by-elections were organized by the legally recognized leadership. “All the primaries were conducted by illegal committees handpicked by Abure. I cautioned many of those candidates. They squandered money and time. Their nominations won’t withstand legal scrutiny,” he said.
The source also noted that Abure has approached the courts to compel INEC to reopen its portal and reinstate LP candidates for the by-elections. “He is seeking a court order to force INEC to list LP candidates. If the court rules in his favor, INEC will comply,” he said.
The source attributed the confusion to INEC’s refusal to strictly adhere to the Supreme Court’s verdict. “We are uncertain of INEC’s true position. If Abure seeks judicial intervention now, it might finally compel INEC to act, either by acknowledging the judgment or perpetuating the charade.”
While acknowledging the setback caused by LP’s exclusion, the source from Nenadi’s camp emphasized their focus on the 2027 general elections. “Even if Nenadi’s camp had conducted parallel primaries, there wasn’t enough time to have the names listed on the portal. It was a hurried process. However, all hope is not lost. Should the court order INEC to reopen the portal, some states might still see LP on the ballot. For now, we prefer absence to disgrace. Our sights are set on 2027, and we won’t allow this drama to derail the larger agenda,” he noted.
The source warned that INEC’s continued ambiguity could exacerbate LP’s internal crisis and tarnish the commission’s credibility ahead of the next electoral cycle.
The by-elections are scheduled to take place in several states, including Kaduna, Enugu, Plateau, Edo, and Taraba, to fill vacant National and State Assembly seats.
