Breaking News: INEC Bows To Court Orders, Must Recognize Labour Party’s Gubernatorial Candidates

The Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to officially accept Chief Olusola Nehemiah and Ezekiel Awude as the Labour Party (LP)’s governorship and deputy governorship candidates for the forthcoming Ondo State gubernatorial election.

This ruling, issued by Justice Emeka Nwite on Friday, ensures that Nehemiah and Awude will enjoy all the rights and privileges associated with their candidacies for the November 16 election.

The significant decision arose from a joint lawsuit filed against INEC and other parties by the Labour Party, Nehemiah, and Awude.

In his judgment, referenced as suit number FHC/ABJ/CS/1105/2024, Justice Nwite affirmed the validity of the second primary election conducted by the Labour Party, which led to the selection of Nehemiah and Awude as its candidates.

The judge noted that evidence showed Nehemiah had deposited ₦20 million into the United Bank for Africa (UBA) account of the Labour Party to obtain his nomination form, which facilitated the subsequent primary election.

Additionally, Justice Nwite indicated that Nehemiah was obliged to pay an extra ₦5 million to Olorunfemi Ayodele Festus as reimbursement for expenses incurred after his withdrawal from the gubernatorial race.

The ruling emphasized that the Labour Party, under Julius Abure, acted unlawfully by rejecting the new primary election, as all requisite conditions for its recognition had been fulfilled.

As a result, the court instructed INEC to formally acknowledge the nominations of Nehemiah and Awude, mandating the commission to publish their names as the legitimate candidates representing the Labour Party in the upcoming Ondo State gubernatorial election.