Politics
LP drags INEC to court over exclusion from Enugu by-election
The Labour Party has approached the Federal High Court in Abuja, challenging the Independent National Electoral Commission (Independent National Electoral Commission) over what it described as its exclusion from the upcoming Enugu North Senatorial District by-election scheduled for June 20, 2026.
The by-election became necessary after the death of Senator Okey Ezea on November 18, 2025, which left the seat vacant.
In its suit, the party said it had duly notified INEC on May 11, 2026, of its intention to conduct a primary election in line with electoral guidelines.
The primary was subsequently held on May 25, 2026, producing Ambassador Simon Ejike Eze as the party’s candidate for the contest.
In a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Ken Asogwa, the party said it was denied access to INEC’s nomination portal to upload its candidate’s details despite complying with all requirements.
It added that repeated efforts to resolve the issue before the close of submissions on June 2, 2026 were unsuccessful.
The Labour Party faulted INEC officials in Enugu State for allegedly failing to transmit the primary report, citing the absence of a designated officer on the day of the exercise.
The party maintained that it met all legal obligations under the Electoral Act and INEC guidelines, arguing that electoral rights should not be undermined by administrative lapses.
It further described its exclusion from the by-election as unjust, insisting it has a legitimate stake in the contest to fill the vacant seat.
While expressing confidence in INEC leadership, the party called for an investigation into the conduct of its Enugu officials and possible sanctions where necessary.
The Labour Party also urged its supporters to remain calm, saying it has confidence in the judiciary to resolve the matter.
Follow Us on Google Discover
Bandits fleeing northern crackdown moving into South-East, South-South forests — Sources
Gombe federal lawmaker Yaya Tongo dies in Abuja hospital
Veteran actor and scholar Kola Oyewo dies at 80
NDC: Dickson, Peter Obi meet in Abuja, resolve internal party disputes
Elon Musk makes history as world’s first trillionaire
2027: Atiku finalizes move to announce Rotimi Amaechi as running mate
Edo govt directs reopening of schools closed over security threat
Meet the treaty king, the Obong of Calabar Edidem Ekpo Okon Abasi Otu V
Facebook, Instagram hit by widespread global glitch
Democracy Day: Chaos as Sowore collapses after Police tear gassed protesters in Abuja
Tinubu confers National Honour on Mr. Osa Director, National Publicity Secretary of the NDC
Inside state police bill: Governors to appoint police commissioners, FG to fund operations
2027: Pressure mounts on Atiku over choice of running mate
Fire engulfs popular market in Kano, destroys shops, offices
Kogi varsity suspends final-year celebrations over cult attacks
Tinubu confers national honours on Joe Igbokwe, Dele Alake, Dasuki, 47 other Nigerians (Full List)
BREAKING: Reps endorse state police report, approve 18 key clauses
Aircraft that landed on road near Asaba linked to Dunamis Church, pilot arrested
Inside state police bill: Governors to appoint police commissioners, FG to fund operations
2026 Democracy Day: Full text of Tinubu’s speech
Democracy Day: FG declares Friday, June 12, public holiday
2027: Pressure mounts on Atiku over choice of running mate
June 12: Tinubu renames Kadauna Petroleum Institute after Shehu Yar’Adua
2027: Atiku finalizes move to announce Rotimi Amaechi as running mate
BREAKING: Bayelsa’s Fred Agbedi emerges new House of Reps Minority Leader
Nigeria’s poverty rate hits 63%, 27 million face food insecurity, hunger amid Tinubu’s reforms — IMF
Bandits fleeing northern crackdown moving into South-East, South-South forests — Sources
Track down bandits flaunting cash, conducting giveaways on TikTok — Senate orders DSS
268 Evacuees arrive Lagos as Nigeria responds to renewed anti-migrant violence in South Africa