Labour Party members in Nigeria’s Federal Capital Territory (FCT) took to the streets on Monday to protest the exclusion of their candidates from the upcoming Area Council elections in Abuja, scheduled for February 21. The party claims this move is a deliberate attempt to disenfranchise them, despite a subsisting court order in their favour.
The protesters, who gathered at the National Headquarters of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), vowed to occupy the premises until their party is included on the ballot. They carried placards with messages such as “INEC, Upload Labour Party Candidates” and “INEC, Obey Court Order.” The party’s Publicity Secretary in the FCT, Eyisi Okey Nwoke, stated that the exclusion is a conspiracy to undermine the party’s popularity, which was evident in the 2023 elections.
INEC National Commissioner Abdullahi Abdul Zuru acknowledged the commission’s commitment to upholding the law, citing “conflicting court orders” as a challenge. He assured the protesters that the commission would act on the court order, but noted that such decisions are made collectively by the commission, not unilaterally by individual members.
The Labour Party has been embroiled in internal conflicts, with Nwoke attributing the crisis to external forces attempting to infiltrate the party. The party’s Chairman in the North Central Zone, Princess Licia Igbe, emphasized the importance of INEC complying with the court order, stating that the commission’s actions could undermine democracy and disenfranchise party members.
INEC has reiterated its commitment to obeying court orders, with its spokesperson noting that the commission often complies with court directives on its portal. However, the spokesperson highlighted the challenges posed by conflicting court orders, which can create difficulties in determining the prevailing order.
The protest highlights the ongoing tensions between the Labour Party and INEC, with the party demanding inclusion in the upcoming elections. The commission’s response will be crucial in determining the outcome of the elections and the future of democracy in Nigeria. As the February 21 elections approach, the situation remains a subject of concern for voters, politicians, and observers alike.
