The Labour Party has scored a major legal victory ahead of Saturday’s crucial bye-elections, as the Nasarawa State High Court has ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to immediately recognize Barrister Julius Abure and Alhaji Umar Farouk Ibrahim as the party’s legitimate leaders — and to upload the details of all their nominated candidates without delay.
In a ruling delivered on July 23, 2025, in Suit No. NSD/LF.84/2024, Justice Mustapha A. Ramat directed INEC to grant the Abure–Ibrahim-led National Working Committee access to the commission’s candidate portal, enabling them to input and publish their nominees for both the August 16 bye-elections and the 2026 FCT Area Council elections.
However, despite the court’s clear directive, INEC has so far refused to publish Labour Party’s candidate list, raising fears that the party is being deliberately sidelined — a complaint the party says mirrors similar last-minute restrictions it faced during past elections.
Reacting to the development, National Publicity Secretary Obiora Ifoh described the judgment as a “welcome intervention” but condemned INEC’s actions as a “systemic plot” to deny Labour Party candidates fair competition.
“Our candidates have been robbed of the time and opportunity to campaign like others. This is not the first time — in Ondo, INEC granted our candidate portal access barely 24 hours to the election. Such treatment will no longer be tolerated,” Ifoh stated.
The court adjourned the main case to September 22, 2025, but its interlocutory order stands, compelling INEC to act immediately. Labour Party leaders are urging members and supporters to rally behind their candidates and ensure victory despite the odds.
