Nigerian opposition party threatens legal action over election exclusion
The Labour Party (LP), led by Julius Abure, has vowed to challenge Nigeria’s electoral body in court if its candidates are excluded from an upcoming special election, escalating tensions ahead of the August 16, 2025, bye-election. This follows a contentious decision by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to omit the party’s nominees from ballots in a separate August 2 vote, sparking protests and accusations of political disenfranchisement.
Last week, supporters of the Labour Party marched to INEC’s headquarters in Abuja after the commission published candidate lists for the August 2 election without including LP contenders. The party insists its candidates were validly nominated through primaries organized by Abure’s National Working Committee (NWC), despite an ongoing internal leadership dispute that has divided the party.
Obiora Ifoh, a spokesperson for Abure’s faction, demanded INEC rectify the omission ahead of the August 16 election, warning of legal repercussions. In a Tuesday statement, he cited Section 84 of Nigeria’s Electoral Act 2022, which permits parties to seek judicial redress if excluded from elections. “Failure to include our candidates and logo on the ballot will compel us to pursue the nullification of the entire process,” Ifoh said, asserting the party’s readiness to enforce compliance through the courts.
The LP’s threat underscores persistent friction between political groups and electoral authorities in Nigeria, where disputes over candidate eligibility are common. Analysts note the Labour Party’s rising profile following its strong performance in the 2023 general elections, suggesting its exclusion could fuel accusations of bias in an already polarized environment.
INEC has not publicly addressed the Labour Party’s allegations. However, electoral guidelines typically require parties to resolve internal conflicts before submitting candidate lists, raising questions about whether the leadership tussle impacted the LP’s compliance. The Abure-led faction claims it followed due process in selecting candidates, but rival groups within the party have previously challenged its authority.
Legal experts emphasize that courts have historically invalidated elections where procedural violations are proven, a precedent that could strengthen the LP’s case. The outcome may set a critical benchmark for Nigeria’s electoral integrity as parties gear up for future polls. For now, the Labour Party’s ultimatum places pressure on INEC to clarify its position or risk a protracted legal battle that could delay or undermine the August 16 vote.
