Court Orders INEC to Recognize Labour Party’s Governorship Candidates
A Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to accept and recognize Chief Olusola Nehemiah and Ezekiel Awude as the governorship and deputy governorship candidates of the Labour Party (LP) for the Ondo State gubernatorial election. The court delivered the judgment on Friday in a joint suit instituted by the Labour Party, Nehemiah, and Awude against INEC and others.
According to the judgment, Justice Emeka Nwite held that the second primary election held by the Labour Party, which produced Nehemiah and Awude, was valid and must be upheld by INEC. The judge said that evidence showed that Nehemiah paid N20 million into the United Bank for Africa (UBA) account of the Labour Party for a nomination form and was issued a form that led to the conduct of the second primary election. The judge also stated that evidence showed that the Labour Party ordered Nehemiah to pay N5 million to Olorunfemi Ayodele Festus for expenses upon his withdrawal from the gubernatorial race.
Justice Nwite condemned the Labour Party leaders’ decision to disown the fresh primary election that produced Nehemiah and Awude, saying it was wrong and illegal. As a result, the judge ordered INEC to accept the nomination of Nehemiah and Awude and publish their names as lawful candidates of the Labour Party for the Ondo State governorship election scheduled for November 16.
This judgment marks a significant development in the Ondo State governorship election, as the Labour Party’s candidates can now proceed with their campaigns and preparations for the November poll. The court’s order is a major blow to the Labour Party leaders who had attempted to thwart the will of the people and undermine the democratic process.
